Nagaland hosts first Mid Day Meal Mela in Phek

Officials visit stalls during the Mid Day Meal Mela-2019 organised at Peren Town Local Ground on August 30. (DIPR Photo) 

Peren, August 31 (MExN): A Mid Day Meal Mela-2019 was organised on August 30 at Peren Town Local Ground. The programme was initiated by MDM Project, Directorate of School Education with Advisor Water Resources, Namri Nchang graced the occasion as the special guest. 

According to a DIPR report, Advisor, Water Resources Department, Namri Nchang in his speech acknowledged the Department of School Education for organizing this mega event at Peren Town being this event as first of its kind in the State.

He stated that Government of Nagaland with the directive of Government of India is doing their best efforts to uplift the children in the state not only in the field of education of the child nutrition. He mentioned some of the main objectives of kitchen garden which includes helping in addressing malnutrition and micro nutrient deficiencies by consumption of freshly grown vegetables, to give children first-hand experience with nature and gardening, to enhance the knowledge of children regarding nutritional aspect of vegetables and harmful effects of junk foods.

Nchang said that school nutrition gardens are good for learning; they are highly practical and direct form of education where children can learn how to grow good food which not only improves health but also provide opportunities for livelihood and increase self sufficiency. Apart from practical skills in agriculture and horticulture, gardens are the living laboratory for the study of environmental issues and life science.

Furthermore, he asserted that, not only the children but also the teachers and VEC of every village should also take up the initiative and encourage so that the next generation will have much better knowledge and value of our environment and also encouraged all the teachers and VEC to maintain their own respective Kitchen Garden and make use of it.

Advisor for Water Resources in his address also stated that Mid Day Meal Scheme is a school meal program of Government of India designed to provide better nutritional standing of school age children nationwide. The programme supplies free lunches on working days for children in primary and upper primary classes in government institutions. The main objectives of the scheme are to help improve the effectiveness of primary education by improving the nutritional status of primary school education. He also reminded all the teachers to dedicate on their duties as they are the builder of children's future.

Earlier the programme was chaired by Shanavas C, IAS, Principal Director, School Education, Nagaland while welcome address was said by Deputy Commissioner (DC), Peren, Sentiwapang Aier. Short speeches were also delivered by Principal Secretary School Education & NCERT, Menukhol John and vote of thanks was shared by Sr, SDEO Peren i/c of DEO Peren& SDEO Tening, Ramdi Thou.

Other highlights of the day included special number by the students of GHSS Jalukie Town, Government College, Peren, Cultural dance & Opening of MDM Mela-Cum-Exhibition of School Kitchen Garden Products.