Bhubaneswar, Sept 11: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Prabhati Parida on Thursday emphasized the importance of nutritious home-cooked food and mental well-being for staying fit, especially among rural women.

Speaking at the launch of the “Healthy Diet Campaign” organized jointly by the Department of Women and Child Development and UNICEF at Lemon Tree Premier, Bhubaneswar, Deputy CM Parida highlighted the role of traditional foods like mandia (ragi), pakhala (fermented rice), and pitha (rice cakes) in maintaining health.

ଆଜି @UNICEFIndia ଏବଂ @WCDOdisha ର ମିଳିତ ସହଯୋଗରେ ଆୟୋଜିତ 'ଇଟ୍‌ ରାଇଟ୍, ଷ୍ଟେ ବ୍ରାଇଟ୍' ଅଭିଯାନରେ ସାମିଲ ହେବାର ସୁଯୋଗ ମିଳିଲା । ଏହି କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମରେ ସୁସ୍ଥ ଶରୀର ପାଇଁ ନିତାନ୍ତ ଆବଶ୍ୟକ ପୁଷ୍ଟିକର ଖାଦ୍ୟ ଏବଂ ବଦଳୁଥିବା ଜୀବନଶୈଳୀର ପ୍ରଭାବରେ ମେଦ ବହୁଳତା ଆଦି ବିଷୟରେ ଆଲୋକପାତ କରିଥିଲି। ଆମ ଖାଦ୍ୟରେ ମାଣ୍ଡିଆ ଭଳି ନିଜ… pic.twitter.com/jrQk5za6Mc
— Pravati Parida (@PravatiPOdisha) September 11, 2025

Parida noted that tribal women’s fitness is largely attributed to their consumption of mandia and advised people to avoid junk food and embrace wholesome, home-prepared meals. She also stressed the need to address obesity among rural women and encouraged dietary changes rooted in local traditions.

The event saw participation from key dignitaries including Women and Child Development Secretary Subha Sharma, Director Monisha Banerjee, actors Sabyasachi Mishra, Archita Sahu, and Anu Choudhury, nutrition expert and UNICEF official Saurabh Bhattacharya, and other departmental and UNICEF representatives.

WCD Secretary Subha Sharma expressed concern over the rising trend of children consuming chips and noodles, especially in villages. She highlighted the department’s efforts under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s guidance to reform food habits among women and children.

UNICEF official Saurabh Bhattacharya advocated for family meals and discouraged oily foods for infants post-weaning. He also emphasized reducing screen time and mobile usage for children to promote healthier lifestyles.

Actor Sabyasachi Mishra spoke about health challenges after gaining weight for a film role and urged people to avoid harmful habits like tobacco, alcohol, and smoking. His actress wife, Archita Sahu discussed smart eating practices. Actress Anu Choudhury also shared her personal food habits, advocating for low-oil, home-cooked meals.

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