In the quaint village of Channadevi Agrahara, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Karnataka, a groundbreaking initiative is underway to uplift the health and well-being of the community’s backbone—its women. The focus of this endeavor is on comprehensive nutrition management training, recognizing the pivotal role women play in shaping the dietary habits and overall health of their families.

On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the insightful training program on Nutrition Management in Women unfolded at the Shaswata Vikala Chethana Ashrama. The event saw the active participation of key figures, including Smt. Kanthalakshmi, a dedicated Panchayat Member and Local Self-Help Group (SHG) Member of Channadevi Agrahara, and Smt. Susheela N Kamat, the esteemed President of the BHOOMI Sustainable Development Society. The attendance reflected a diverse group, with 2 male participants, 21 female participants, and representation from BHOOMI with one dedicated representative. This diverse gathering set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of nutrition-related topics, emphasizing the significance of community involvement in health education.

Challenges in Channadevi Agrahara:

Channadevi Agrahara, like many rural areas in Karnataka, faces challenges related to malnutrition, limited awareness about proper nutrition, and a lack of access to resources that could enhance the dietary diversity of its residents. In response to these challenges, a targeted effort has been initiated to provide specialized training to women in the village.

Objectives of the Program:

The primary objectives of the nutrition management training program in Channadevi Agrahara are to:

1. Empower Women with Knowledge: Educate women about the fundamentals of nutrition, including the importance of a balanced diet, essential nutrients, and the impact of nutrition on overall health.

2. Promote Local Resource Utilization: Foster an understanding of locally available resources and how to leverage them to create nutritious meals. This includes knowledge about indigenous crops, seasonal produce, and traditional recipes that enhance nutritional content.

3. Encourage Healthy Meal Planning: Equip women with practical skills for planning and preparing well-balanced meals. Emphasis is placed on portion control, hygiene, and creative ways to incorporate diverse foods into daily diets.

4. Address Specific Life Stages: Provide specialized training on nutrition during pivotal life stages, such as pregnancy, lactation, and early childhood, ensuring that women are well-informed about the unique nutritional requirements during these periods.

5. Community Participation: Foster community engagement by involving local leaders, healthcare professionals, and influencers. This collaborative approach ensures the sustainability of the program and facilitates a positive ripple effect throughout the community.

Tailoring Training to Channadevi Agrahara’s Context:

Recognizing the unique cultural and geographical aspects of Channadevi Agrahara, the training program is tailored to the specific needs of the community. Local traditions, dietary preferences, and available resources are integrated into the curriculum, ensuring that the training resonates with the participants and has a lasting impact on their daily lives.

Program Highlights:

The training program commenced with a prayer led by the SHG group members. Mr. Ravi.K from the BHOOMI Team welcomed the guests, volunteers, and SHG members. The sessions were facilitated by Mrs. Geetharani T.K., a resource person with expertise in nutrition.

Topics Covered During the Program:

• Understanding Nutrition:
  • Importance of nutrition
  • Categories of nutritional foods
• Developing Healthy Habits:
  • Good food habits
  • Percentage of nutrition and minerals in food
• Maintaining Good Health:
  • Strategies for maintaining good health
  • Growing nutritional food in backyard spaces
• Practical Insights:
  • Group activity involving SHG members to identify and discuss vegetables, leaves, tubers, and climbers consumed in their households
• Importance of Satwik Foods:
  • Emphasis on raw foods and their nutritional significance
• Cooking Demonstrations:
  • Mrs. Geetharani T.K. shared recipes for satwik foods, providing practical insights into their preparation.

Community Impact and Sustainability:

The success of the program is not only measured by individual knowledge gain but by the collective improvement in the community’s nutritional practices. As women in Channadevi Agrahara become ambassadors of healthy living, the positive impact is expected to extend beyond individual households, creating a community-wide shift towards improved nutrition.

The nutrition management training program in Channadevi Agrahara is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to a healthier and more empowered community. By investing in the knowledge and skills of its women, this initiative not only addresses immediate nutritional challenges but also sets the stage for sustained well-being and prosperity. As women in Channadevi Agrahara take charge of their families’ nutrition, they pave the way for a brighter and healthier future for generations to come.