Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav : Eat Right Walkathon : Yoga session; Eat Right Mela held at Doda

Doda : As a part of Azadi ka Amrit mahotsav to commemorate 75 years of India’s Independence, Food Safety Department Doda, in collaboration with FSSAI Delhi, and under the directions of Shakeel ul Rehman, Commissioner Food safety, on Monday organised Eat Right Walkathon.

The Walkathon was flagged off from Clock Tower Doda by District Development Commissioner, Vikas Sharma in presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Ravi Kumar Bharti and SP operations Raj Kumar. The rally passed through New Bus Stand through Tondwah and culminated back at the Clock Tower.

Around 200 students drawn from different schools of the town led by Chief Guest and other guests were part of the walkathon. The participants were holding placards and chanting slogans on Eat Right, Eat Healthy and Fortified.

Meanwhile, a yoga session was organised at Government Higher Secondary School Boys immediately after the culmination of the Walkathon. Around 70 students and guests performed the yoga.

The second session of the Event ‘Eat Right Mela’ was held at Government Degree College, which was inaugurated by District Development Council Chairman, Dhananter Singh Kotwal along with ADC, President MC, CEO, CMO and the Principal of the Government Degree College.

The event gave a festive look and witnessed the participation of Municipal Councillors, presidents of different Associations including Beoparmandal, Hotel & Restaurants, Backers Association, Chemist Association, officers from the Department of Food safety office Gondoh, FSO Ramban, FSO Asser, FSO Banihal & students from different schools and Government Degree College Doda.

The government departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, ICDS, AYUSH, and Health departments had put their stalls in the mela to impart awareness to the visitors on the subject, showcase their products and to inculcate the habits of safe & healthy eating among the Consumers.

A colourful cultural programme by artists and students of the district was another major attraction of the Mela.A painting competition was also held during the mela. The artists, students and participants of Yoga and Walkathon were presented certificates of appreciation by the organising department.

In his address, the Chief Guest, DDC Chairman, highlighted the objectives of such events. “Such programs are envisioned to reach out to the citizens to create and build awareness on Safe and healthy diets through an interactive and informative model”, he said.

He complimented the Department of Food Safety for hosting the event to benefit the public. He stressed the need to hold such workshops and camps at Tehsil levels to generate more & more awareness about the” Eat Right, Eat Healthy & Eat Fortified” campaign.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Doda, in his welcome address, urged upon the participants to adopt healthy food habits and avoid junk food to stay safe from food borne diseases.

Assistant Commissioner, Food safety Doda, while speaking in the event, highlighted the achievements of the Department and enjoined upon the Food Business operators, especially manufacturers, Hoteliers, Restaurant owners to adopt Hygienic practice, undergo Hygiene ratings and FoSTaC training so that clean and safe food is made available to the consumers.

Other speakers also highlighted the impact of adulteration and stressed that the ascending graph in non-communicable disease can be brought down if a healthy lifestyle is adopted.He further impressed upon the department to double the efforts in ensuring safe and wholesome food to the Consumers.