Launch of Morning Nutrition Program in Diu – 16th July 2025
To combat child malnutrition and support foundational health in early education, the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, in collaboration with the Education Department, launched the Morning Nutrition Programme in Diu District on 16th July 2025.
As part of this initiative, 1,028 children from Classes 1 to 3 will be served SaiSure Fortified Ragi Health Mix with jaggery every morning, ensuring they begin their school day with essential nourishment.
The launch event took place at Samagra Shiksha Hall, chaired by District Collector & Magistrate Mr. Rahul Dev Boora. The ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp and was graced by dignitaries including:
- Shri Shivam Mishra, Deputy Collector
- Mr. Arvind Solanki, District Education Officer
- Mr. Piyush Maru, Education Officer
- Mr. Santosh Allath, National Manager, Operations – Annapoorna Trust
- Mr. Anil Lingayat, Senior Executive, Operations – Annapoorna Trust
Read from left to right: Mr. Santosh Allath, National Manager, Operations – Annapoorna Trust; Mr. Arvind Solanki, District Education Officer; Mr. Shivam Mishra, Deputy Collector; Mr. Rahul Dev Boora, District Collector & Magistrate; Mr. Piyush Maru, Education Officer; Mr. Anil Lingayat, Senior Executive, Operations – Annapoorna Trust.
The Annapoorna team demonstrated the preparation of the Ragi-based nutrition drink, which was well-received by the children. The health benefits of traditional, local foods like ragi and jaggery were highlighted as sustainable and superior alternatives to processed snacks.
Collector Mr. Rahul Dev Boora praised the initiative as a transformative step towards improving child health and well-being. He shared personal anecdotes on the dangers of early exposure to junk food and underlined the importance of embracing local, climate-friendly, nutrient-dense foods. He emphasized the role of such initiatives in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, boosting immunity, and supporting overall child development.
The event encouraged active participation from teachers, principals, and students, and stressed the need for continuous feedback from children to refine taste preferences and encourage sustained adoption. The importance of ownership at the school and community level was underlined to ensure long-term success.
The programme concluded with sincere appreciation extended to all stakeholders — educators, children, media, and partners — and a collective call to strengthen this nation-building initiative that is shaping the health and future of India’s young generation.
