Chandigarh, August 6:As part of the observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2026 (1–7 August), the Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, in collaboration with the Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER, organised a Capacity Building Programme for around 150 Anganwadi Workers at the Advanced Pediatrics Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh. Based on this year's global theme, "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works," the programme focused on strengthening the knowledge and skills of frontline workers to promote optimal breastfeeding practices and improve maternal and child nutrition.

The event was graced by the Secretary, Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, Shri Harpreet Singh Sudan as the Chief Guest, Director, Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Shri Naveen; senior departmental officials, experts from PGIMER, Supervisors and Child Development Project Officers.

On the occasion, the Chief Guest visited POSHAN AMRIT Van, Chandigarh Administration's Breast Milk Donation Initiative, and released an awareness leaflet titled "माँ का दूध; पोषण, सुरक्षा और प्यार" to promote early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding.

Addressing the participants, Secretary Shri Harpreet Singh Sudan highlighted breastfeeding as one of the most effective interventions for ensuring optimal nutrition, child survival and lifelong health. Appreciating the dedicated efforts of Anganwadi Workers, he described them as the true ambassadors of POSHAN Abhiyaan and highlighted Chandigarh Administration's initiatives, including POSHAN AMRIT Van and the provision of additional nutritional support to beneficiaries.

In his address, Director, Shri Naveen reaffirmed the Administration's commitment to strengthening maternal and child health through quality nutrition services, Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), growth monitoring, nutrition counselling and the Palna (Crèche) Scheme. He appreciated the pivotal role of Anganwadi Workers in delivering essential services at the grassroots level.

During the technical sessions, Dr. Bhavneet Bharti, Professor, Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER, delivered the theme lecture on "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works." Experts from PGIMER also provided practical guidance on breastfeeding counselling, early initiation of breastfeeding, positioning and attachment, management of common breastfeeding challenges, donor human milk and support for working mothers. Dr. Rachna, Health & Nutrition Expert and Programme Officer (Planning), NITI Aayog, UT Chandigarh, conducted a session on the revised anaemia guidelines under the Anaemia Mukt Bharat 7×7×7 Strategy.

The Department is observing World Breastfeeding Week 2026 across all 450 Anganwadi Centres in Chandigarh through awareness campaigns, counselling sessions, community outreach and IEC activities to promote optimal breastfeeding practices and strengthen maternal and child nutrition under POSHAN Abhiyaan.