Birla Corporation Limited (BCL) and MP Birla Cement with the ANKURAM initiative, took a great step in commemorating POSHAN MAAH (Nutrition Month) to combat maternal and child malnutrition in rural areas. While building the house with India’s best quality cement, Birla Corporation’s CSR team pledged to spread the knowledge of nutritional well-being for maternal and child health. To execute this, balanced diets, healthy foods, and preventive care played key roles. With the help of Anganwadi centres in West Bengal, MP, Rajasthan, UP, and other states, BCL worked with mothers, children, and healthcare partners to provide nutritional resources, educational tools, and health services that help families live healthier lifestyles.

Understanding the Challenge

In rural India, malnutrition and anaemia are still a major health challenge among pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and small children. Poor health infrastructure coupled with a lack of knowledge results in severe health issues. Birla Corporation’s ANKURAM program aims to eradicate malnutrition and anaemia by promoting healthy living and nutritional education.

Key Initiatives

Being the no. 1 quality cement in India comes with strong responsibilities. Birla Corporations’ POSHAN MAAH activities encompassed a range of impactful interventions that were customized to meet the unique needs of rural communities which are as follows –

 

1.Distribution of Nutritional Food:

BCL provided dry nutritional food to pregnant and lactating mothers at Anganwadi centres, addressing immediate nutritional needs.

2.Promoting Kitchen Gardens: Recognizing the importance of sustainable, community-based nutrition, Birla distributed seeds for kitchen gardens, fostering a culture of self-sufficiency.

3. Mosquito Net Distribution: Providing mosquito nets, Birla Corporation volunteers helped protect mothers and children from diseases like malaria and dengue, which can be quite debilitating. It raises the likelihood of impacting health outcomes.

 

 

4. Health Check-up Camps:

In collaboration with the ICDS department and local Primary Health Centres, made healthcare accessible to numerous rural families by offering free medical exams and nutritional guidance.

5. Promoting Local Foods and Traditional Recipes: Creating awareness about locally produced and nutritionally dense ingredients that can be used in local foods and traditional recipes. This campaign emphasised the value of resources in meal planning for maternal and child health.

6. Informational Materials: Through pamphlets, workshops, and local events, BCL spread vital information on maternal nutrition, healthy eating habits, and the importance of balanced diets.

7. Cooking Demonstrations: Workshops demonstrated how to prepare nutritious meals, allowing mothers to better understand nutritional essentials and make healthier decisions for their families.

8.Hygiene Training:

BCL’s lessons on personal cleanliness in schools and villages taught the younger population important self-care skills, laying the groundwork for healthier future generations.

9. Newborn Baby Kits: BCL gave newborn baby kits to moms in need of vital baby care goods. This was done to ensure that both mothers and babies benefit from a healthy start to their new journey.

10. Hemoglobin Testing for Women and Adolescent Girls: In order to combat anaemia, BCL held haemoglobin camps to identify cases early and give appropriate treatment.

 

 

Impact and Commitment:

Through these initiatives, Birla Corporation has extended its commitment to fostering healthier communities, contributing towards India’s national nutrition goals. In support of the Government of India’s POSHAN Abhiyaan mission, such a comprehensive approach was adopted by BCL in partnership with the ICDS and Primary Health Centers. Therefore, the objective of empowering rural communities with long-term and sustainable solutions went from strength to strength.

Birla Corporation’s POSHAN MAAH celebration underlines the importance of community engagement and activities from the grassroot in addressing nutrition. By prioritising the health of mothers and children. With the ANKURAM program, we are laying the foundation for healthier futures and communities rooted in resilience. The impact of these initiatives continues, affirming that health is indeed wealth and that investing in mothers and children today is an investment in a stronger, healthier tomorrow.