JAMMU, Oct 5: The Government Ayurvedic Hospital, under the aegis of the Directorate of AYUSH, J&K, organised a one-day sensitisation workshop on “AYUSH Interventions for Holistic Nutrition and Development” for Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and ASHAs in collaboration with the POSHAN Project Jammu.
The programme was organised under the guidance of Dr. Ajay Tikoo, Director AYUSH J&K, and under the supervision of Dr. Aruna Bhat, Medical Superintendent, Government Ayurvedic Hospital, in coordination with Akshar Kotwal, CDPO Jammu, as part of the ongoing Rashtriya Poshan Maah activities.
Speaking at the outset, Dr. Aruna Bhat highlighted the role of AYUSH in nutritional management during pregnancy and post-partum care. She emphasised the important role of ICDS functionaries, Anganwadi Workers and ASHAs as community-level messengers of holistic nutrition and development.
She stressed the importance of promoting AYUSH-based recipes, nutritional practices and supplements while strengthening inter-sectoral convergence between AYUSH and ICDS. She also briefed the participants about the Supraja AYUSH Public Health Programme, highlighting opportunities for collaborative interventions to address malnutrition and non-communicable diseases and promote the health of mothers and children.
Dr. Bhat also spoke about Suvarna Prashana, an Ayurvedic intervention traditionally associated with child health and immunity, and encouraged the field functionaries to disseminate information about AYUSH interventions among communities.
Dr. Arun Gupta delivered a detailed presentation covering Garbha Sanskar, Garbhini Paricharya, Sutika Paricharya, lactational health and the Supraja AYUSH Public Health Programme. He also highlighted the importance of Yoga, Pranayama and Swarnaprashana in the context of maternal and child health.
Emphasising the nutritional value of traditional food practices, Dr. Gupta discussed the diversity of local cuisines and traditional recipes and their potential health benefits. AYUSH recipes and delicacies suitable for children, adolescents, pregnant women and lactating mothers were presented during the session.
He also explained the importance of different food groups from the Ayurvedic perspective and their role in promoting the vision of a “Suposhit Bharat.” He urged Anganwadi Workers and ASHAs to encourage traditional and nutritious recipes for promotive, preventive and therapeutic purposes.
A detailed recipe book was distributed among the participants to support them in disseminating nutritional information at the community level.
Speaking on the occasion, CDPO Jammu Akshar Kotwal appreciated the collaboration between AYUSH and ICDS during Rashtriya Poshan Maah. He emphasised the need to integrate Garbha Sanskar and traditional Ayurveda-based maternal and child health practices into Anganwadi Centres as part of a holistic approach to maternal and child healthcare.
He also called for regular awareness sessions, including webinars, to strengthen the capacity of field-level functionaries. He further proposed that Yoga sessions for Anganwadi Workers be initiated in collaboration with AYUSH so that the benefits could ultimately reach women in the community, particularly pregnant women and adolescent girls.
The programme concluded with all participants taking the Poshan Pledge, reaffirming their commitment towards improving nutrition and health outcomes in the community.
More than 70 Anganwadi Workers and ASHAs participated in the training programme. The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Lotika Bharti.