JAMMU, Sep 2: To mark National Nutrition Week 2026, Bhartiya Lok Sangeet Kala Sansthan (BLSKS), in coordination with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, Social Welfare Department, J&K Government, and Sangam Tru Art Production, organised a mega cultural programme at Louis Braille Memorial Residential School for Sightless Girls, Roop Nagar, Jammu.
The programme was presented as part of BLSKS’s 510th regular series under the Guru-Shishya Parampara (Repertory Grant), featuring the musical play “Nashe Kola Bacho” based on the themes of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and Swachh Bharat. More than 50 students, teachers and prominent citizens participated in a pledge administered by M.C. Kotwal, Secretary, BLSKS, to uphold healthy values and contribute towards building a drug-free society. A Certificate of Honour from the Ministry of Social Justice was also presented to the Principal of the school.
The programme was inaugurated by Chief Guest Nivedita Shukla, Principal, Louis Braille Memorial Residential School for Sightless Girls, Roop Nagar. Guests of Honour included Aprajita Arora, Punam, Madhu Arora, Meenakshi Sharma, Shivali Rani, Shivani Sawhney and Chandni Kour, along with senior teachers of the school.
The cultural presentation aimed to promote awareness about healthy living, nutrition, drug-free lifestyles and cleanliness while rejuvenating the traditional folk art and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. Theme-based songs, dances, Nukkad Natak and skits were presented, including performances on “Nasha Nai Kario Munde Kureio,” “Beti Bachao Beti Padao,” “Tu Mala Tu Log Pane Thikriyan,” “Ayi Ge Ne Chan Pardesi,” and “Kali Mata Base Basdi.”
Speaking on the occasion, Nivedita Shukla highlighted the importance of National Nutrition Week as an annual awareness campaign focusing on the role of proper nutrition in maintaining good health. She said a healthy diet should provide essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, fibre and water. She appreciated the organisers for making the awareness programme colourful, meaningful and effective.
Dr. M.L. Dogra, Chairman, BLSKS, in his welcome address, said National Nutrition Week is observed from September 1 to 7 in India and stressed the importance of nutrition awareness for public health and community development. He also highlighted the role of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in creating awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse and promoting healthy lifestyles.
M.C. Kotwal, General Secretary, BLSKS, said the organisation would continue to uphold healthy values and spread the message of drug-free living among people. He emphasised the need for collective participation in the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan to build an aware, empowered and drug-free India.
The theme-based songs performed by BLSKS artists were written by Dr. M.L. Dogra, with music support from Mr. Sanjay Kumar Pashi, Music Director, BLSKS. The organisation also announced that six more programmes would be presented in different blocks of Jammu district as part of the awareness campaign.
The performers included Master Kartar Chand, Rajni Gupta, Mahesh Chander Kotwal, Bindia Okheda, Anshu Balgotra and Sanjay Kumar Pashi. The programme was coordinated by Deepak Kumar, who also presented the vote of thanks. The event was recorded and uploaded on social media to extend its reach among the public.