Every September, India observes Rashtriya Poshan Maah, a nationwide campaign under the Poshan Abhiyaan to improve awareness and action around nutrition. The theme for Poshan Maah 2025 highlights a powerful message: “Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi”—which translates to “Nutrition along with Education.”
This initiative recognizes that good nutrition is not separate from learning—it is the very foundation on which education stands. A hungry child cannot learn effectively, and a malnourished child struggles to reach their full potential in school and life. By combining nutrition with early education, the campaign envisions a future where children grow not only physically strong but also intellectually capable.
Why Nutrition and Education Go Hand-in-Hand
1. The Brain Needs Nourishment to Learn
The first 1,000 days of life (from conception to two years of age) are critical for brain development. Nutrients such as iron, iodine, protein, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids play a crucial role in enhancing memory, attention span, and learning abilities. Malnutrition during this period can cause irreversible learning delays.
2. Hunger Affects Concentration
A child who comes to school without eating is more likely to feel weak, irritable, and distracted. In classrooms, this translates into low participation, reduced curiosity, and poor academic performance. Regular, balanced meals help improve focus and attendance.
3. Education Reinforces Healthy Choices
Education does not just build literacy; it shapes awareness and behaviour. A child who learns about healthy foods in school is more likely to make better dietary choices, which can help break the cycle of malnutrition across generations.
Role of Anganwadi and Schools
To make Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi a reality, Anganwadi nutrition programs and schools play a central role. Together, they provide nourishment while also strengthening children’s learning and growth through a wide range of services such as:
- Integrated Services
Anganwadi centres provide supplementary nutrition, growth monitoring, health check-ups, and preschool education. This integration ensures that children are not only fed but also engaged in activities that prepare them for academic success in school. - Mid-Day Meals
The PM Poshan Scheme (formerly Mid-Day Meal Scheme) ensures that school-going children receive at least one wholesome meal daily. Studies show the Mid-Day Meal Scheme benefits improved enrolment, better attendance, and higher concentration in classrooms. - Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
Alongside meals, Anganwadi now incorporates storytelling, play-based learning, and pre-literacy activities. Well-nourished children can absorb these early lessons more effectively, making them better prepared for school. - Growth Monitoring & Awareness– Teachers and Anganwadi workers often conduct Poshan quizzes, recipe demonstrations, growth monitoring camps, and nutri-garden activities. These not only promote awareness but also involve children in practical learning about food and health.
Nutri-Gardens: A Bridge Between Food and Learning
One of the most innovative aspects of Poshan Maah 2025 is the introduction of Nutri-Gardens in schools and communities. These gardens allow children to:
- Learn Science Practically – by observing how plants grow and contribute to the food system.
- Develop Responsibility – by taking care of plants, watering them, and harvesting their produce.
- Eat Healthier – by consuming locally grown vegetables and fruits.
- Connect with Sustainability – understanding how food, soil, and health are linked.
The simple act of growing spinach or carrots in a school garden can become a lesson in biology, nutrition, and environmental science all at once.
Role of Parents and Community
Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi is not limited to classrooms. Families and communities play a vital role in ensuring the success of nutrition and education in India:
- Balanced Diet at Home – Encouraging families to use locally available foods like millets, pulses, and green leafy vegetables.
- Nutrition Literacy for Parents – Empowering mothers with knowledge about breastfeeding, weaning, and complementary feeding.
- Community Celebrations – During Poshan Maah, many villages organize Poshan Melas where mothers share recipes, children display nutrition charts, and health workers guide families.
This collective effort fosters an ecosystem where the child’s health and learning are the responsibility of everyone.
Technology for Better Outcomes
The government has also introduced the Poshan Tracker App, which helps monitor children’s growth, track the delivery of supplementary nutrition, and provide real-time data. With these tools, frontline workers can ensure no child is left behind.
Technology, when combined with community participation, makes nutrition and education measurable, accountable, and more impactful.
Poshan Maah 2025: What Can We Do?
As individuals, we can also contribute to the vision of Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi. Some simple steps include:
- Support Nutri-Gardens: Encourage schools and communities to establish kitchen gardens.
- Promote Healthy Tiffins: Replace junk food with fruits, sprouts, or homemade snacks in children’s lunchboxes.
- Educate Children: Talk about why food is important for strength and learning.
Volunteer or Donate: Support Anganwadi with seeds, books, or nutrition-related resources.
