Chandigarh, April 21, 2026: A State Level Event under Poshan Pakhwada on the theme “DIY Toy Making Workshop” was successfully organized at Snehalaya, Maloya. The event aimed to promote early childhood care, learning through play, and community participation in strengthening Anganwadi Centres.

The programme was graced by Smt. Anuradha S.Chagti, Secretary Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Chandigarh Administration as the Chief Guest, along with Ms. Radhika Singh, HCS, Director Social Welfare, Women and Child Development, Chandigarh Administration, who warmly welcomed all present on the occasion. The event witnessed active participation from Anganwadi Workers, Supervisors, parents, and other Officials.

The DIY Toy Making Workshop was conducted in collaboration with NGO Kachhi Sadak, wherein participants were guided on creating indigenous and low-cost toys using locally available materials. Anganwadi Workers showcased their creativity through the display and presentation of handmade toys, promoting sustainable and development-oriented play for children.

A lecture was delivered by Dr. Suriti to the parents on minimizing screen time to zero, emphasizing the importance of engaging children in meaningful, screen-free activities for their overall development. Doctors from PGIMER also delivered an informative session on the same theme, further reinforcing awareness among parents. In addition, a puppet show was conducted on the same theme, creatively conveying the message of reducing screen exposure and encouraging interactive and play-based learning among children.

The event served as an effective platform for awareness, innovation, and community engagement, reinforcing the objectives of Poshan Pakhwada in ensuring holistic development of children.

Alongside this, various Poshan Pakhwada activities were conducted across different areas, including a slogan writing competition on mother and child nutrition at Manimajra, Poshan rallies with active community participation at Circle 25, and a Sports Day (Motor Skills) at Ramdarbar to promote physical and motor development among children.

A series of awareness and outreach activities were also undertaken, such as youth group meetings, promotion of millets, campaigns for backyard kitchen gardens, and home visits focusing on millet promotion and institutional delivery. Emphasis was laid on early initiation of breastfeeding, nutritional support for pregnant women through millets, regular growth monitoring, and strengthening pre-school education for children aged 3 to 6 years. Efforts were also made to promote Anganwadi Centres as vibrant learning centres within the community.

The event and associated activities served as an effective platform for awareness, innovation, and community engagement, reinforcing the objectives of Poshan Pakhwada in ensuring holistic development of children and improved health outcomes for women.