Emphasising the importance of nutrition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasised: “A well-nourished child is the foundation of a strong nation. Poshan Abhiyaan is not just a government programme, but a people’s movement to ensure holistic nutrition for every mother and child.”

The Poshan Pakhwada was of the national level campaign to support nutrition for mother and children. The theme of 2026, 8^th poshan pakhawada (9^th to 23^rd April) was “Maximizing Brain Development in the First Six Years of Life”, recognising that early childhood—particularly the first 1,000 days—is critical for brain development, physical growth, and overall well-being.  Poshan Pakhwada, observed under the Ministry of Women and Child Development flagship initiative POSHAN Abhiyaan, focuses on improving maternal and child nutrition through community participation.

The key focus areas under this year’s theme include maternal and child nutrition, early stimulation for brain development, play based education in early years (3 to 6 years), role of parents and community in minimising screen time for promoting healthy habits and active engagement and strengthening Anganwadi Centres through Community Participation 

In Madhya Pradesh as per the state directives of Women and Child Development on Poshan Pakhwada, activities were organized across districts through Anganwadi Centers, with participation from mothers, caregivers, families, grandmothers, community, and panchayats. These were including Poshan Panchayats, Poshan pe charcha through games and storytelling by grandmothers, awareness sessions, counselling sessions at VHND with mothers and community members including male members, play-based learning initiatives, and campaigns promoting healthy lifestyles and reduced screen time among young children.

Engaging different stakeholders in Poshan Pakhwada

The Antara Foundation supported to the WCD and Health Departments in seven intervention districts  (Chhindwara, Morena, Seoni, Betul, Damoh, Khargone and Barwani) in organising Poshan Pakhwada activities in collaboration with Distrct and block level officials, supervisors, CHOs and FLWs specially Aganwadi workers, ASHAs and ANMs by using AAA (ASHA, ANM, AWW) platform at VHSND , HBPNC visit for counselling to family members, meeting at AWCs and counselling with pregnant women, lactating mothers, adolescents and community women and men on importance of breastfeeding, complementary feedings, healthy nutritious food, male engagement and support, respect to elders by their participation on ‘Ghar ka khana’ and recipes on THR and locally available foods, promotion of use of Moringa  in daily food habits, games on identification and avoid junk foods, packet foods by engaging children,  use of IFA syrup and tablets  for children as per the age groups, women and grandmothers and  promote healthy food preferences   Panchayat levels etc.

Participation of Grandmothers in Pahargarh block of Morena Districts

One of the activities engaging grandparents in Poshan Pakhwada 2026 in Morena district has given positive insights and example for others due to positive outcome.

Key aspects of engaging grandparents in Poshan Pakhwada 2026 include support to Anganwadi Centresby engagingGrandparents in community activities like nutrition rallies and educational initiatives for children, healthy diet habits and recipes. Apart from that they support in Community based events (CBEs) to sensitise families and community members about the importance of breastfeeding, early childhood care and nutrition, locally available foods. Their knowledge sharing through story telling create positive outcome and children and community members respect them, and it also decreased generation gaps.  It aims to shift the narrative from solely “nutrition for health” to “nutrition and early childhood stimulation for optimal brain development,” with grandparents being key stakeholders in this effort.

In districts like Morena, grandmothers (dadi–nani) play a decisive role in shaping household nutrition practices, particularly for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children.  Engaging grandmothers (“dadi–nani”) at Anganwadi Centres (AWCs) during Poshan Pakhwada has emerged as a powerful community-based strategy—especially in districts like Morena—to influence maternal and child nutrition practices.  

During field visit at Brijgadhi  Agaanwadi centre where eight AWWs under Brijgardi panchayat (Pahargarh Block) were gathered for poshan pakhwada activities was an eyeopener for successful poshan pakhwada activities and participation of community members including male members and grandmothers.

The Anganwadi worker was very much active, and she completed her education MSW and she also influenced other AWWs for their study and she is leader among 8 AWWs and nominated by Aganwadi supervisors.  Near about 60 participants were including 12 grandmothers.  There were many activities organised such as health camp, counselling session, exhibition on nutrition recipes by using THR and locally available foods, games on heathy and heathy foods for children, Rally, Dadi Nani ki kahani etc. Also showcases locally available and seasonal vegetables and fruits.

 It was a great outcome that 100 percent women uses Moringa stick in their daily routine and they aware about the benefits of Moringa. Few of them developed moringa tree in their households and they shared other members in the community. Grandmothers told different recipes on Moringa uses at household for children, pregnant women and family as whole. The Antara Foundation team took session on diverse themes for promotion of health and nutrition. It was noteworthy male members were participated voluntarily.

Regular poshan baithak (Nutrition meeting) with Dadi-Nani in presence of adolescents, pregnant women, lactating mothers and mothers of young children organised at AWCs with the support and efforts of Block officials ,  Supervisors and Aangwandi workers  .Grandmothers discussed and promotes local and traditional foods those are seasonal and locally available in the meetings, immunization, hygiene and sanitation, recipe demonstration, Godh Bharai ceremonies (nutrition-focused) , nutrition messages delivered through stories, folk songs, personal experiences. Active grandmothers were respected and acknowledged in community events as influential personality for the community and panchayat.

Sharing stories by grandmothers about “ghar ka khana” (home-cooked food) during Anganwadi Centre (AWC) meetings in Poshan Pakhwada is a simple but powerful way to promote healthy eating habits among children and the community. The grandmother’s story teaches us that proper nutrition is the key to a healthy life. Campaigns like Poshan Pakhwada remind us to include nutritious food in our daily diet for a better future.

The participation of grandmothers in Poshan Pakhwada at Anganwadi centres is highly effective because it enhances community involvement, promotes sustainable behaviour change, Improves maternal and child nutrition outcomes. By combining experience (grandmothers) with efforts and motivation (Anganwadi workers), the campaign becomes more impactful and culturally relevant.

It should not focus only on campaign, but it should regularly organise on “Dadi-Nani sessions” at AWCs, Train Anganwadi workers by active and champions AWWs in each panchayat to guide discussions, Include practical demonstrations of healthy recipes and Encourage involvement of all family members. In a fast-changing world, this blend of traditional wisdom and modern health awareness creates lasting change. Including grandmothers in AWC activities is not just about better nutrition—it’s about building healthier families and more respectful communities. Involving the elderly in Poshan Pakhwada is not just a program activity—it is a way to build healthy, respectful, and united families. Involving grandmothers is not just about promoting nutrition. It is about valuing wisdom, fostering respect, and building a collective commitment to the well-being of every child.

Acknowledgement: Heartfelt thanks Mr OP Pandey, DPO, Mrs Rashmi Dhakad, CDPO, Dr. Anubha Maheswari CMBO, Morena for their support and guidance along with block level officials, supervisor, CHOs, FLWs, beneficiaries, community members and The Antara Foundation team, Dr. Shelly Dutta, senior team lead and Programme officer (Arif and Prerna) of Pahanrgarh block, for their efforts in collaboration and support. Special thanks to grandmothers those were actively participated in the meetings.