The MP inaugurates ICOP on POSHAN MAAH–2026 organised by the Central Bureau of Communication
HYDERABAD, SEPTEMBER 01, 2026: Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Dr. K. Laxman today inaugurated the Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme (ICOP) on POSHAN MAAH–2026, organised by the Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, at AV College Grounds, Gagan Mahal, Hyderabad.
Dr. Laxman appreciated the CBC for organising the nutrition awareness exhibition, describing it as informative and thought-provoking. He said the exhibition was also a learning experience for him and highlighted the importance of nutrition in nation-building. “Nation building does not mean merely building with bricks, cement, sand and all the material used for construction. Nation building means making a child healthy and fit. A fit child makes a fit India and a healthy India,” Dr. Laxman said.
He called upon students and youth to become active volunteers in the nutrition awareness campaign, taking the message of proper nutrition to parents, children and particularly disadvantaged sections of society. He urged the college management to encourage students to take up such outreach as a project and create awareness about challenges including anaemia, underweight, overweight, obesity and underdevelopment.
He referred to the digital tracking of Anganwadi Centres and said that around 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres and nearly 9 crore children are being covered through the system. He also stated that around 12 crore children receive hot cooked meals every day across more than 11 lakh schools and referred to government expenditure towards strengthening Anganwadi Centres.
Speaking about Telangana, Dr. Laxman said that the proportion of children falling behind in growth had declined from 33 per cent to 27 per cent, attributing the improvement to the efforts of frontline and Anganwadi workers and government support.
Dr. Laxman stressed the importance of promoting millets and traditional dietary practices. Referring to the declaration of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, he highlighted their nutritional value and relevance to small and rain-fed farmers. He appreciated a nutritious millet-based food product showcased during the exhibition and encouraged students to explore innovation and entrepreneurship.
Referring to India’s growing startup ecosystem, Dr. Laxman urged young people not merely to seek employment but also to consider becoming job creators.
Dr. Laxman said that nutrition should be complemented by physical fitness. He urged students to participate in sports and physical activities and referred to initiatives such as Khelo India. He also highlighted the importance of yoga for physical and mental well-being and encouraged young people to adopt healthy dietary practices, physical activity and yoga as part of their daily lives.
Smt. Shruti Patil, ADG, PIB/CBC, in her inaugural address said that nutrition is not merely about food but is closely linked to health, productivity, learning and quality of life. She highlighted the role of the Central Bureau of Communication in taking credible nutrition messages to the grassroots through exhibitions and traditional folk-art forms such as Oggukatha and Yakshaganam. She said the initiative aims to turn awareness into healthy practices and contribute to a healthier and stronger India.
Sri Achyut Prasad Reddy, Secretary, A.V. Educational Society; Dr. Padma, Principal, A.V. College; and officers and staff of PIB and CBC attended the event.
The five-day ICOP, being held from September 1 to 5, features an exhibition of around 40 nutrition panels, expert talks, IEC stalls and demonstrations. The programme also includes traditional folk-art performances such as Oggukatha, Street Play/Kolatam and Yakshagana, conveying messages on nutritious diets and healthy dietary practices.
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