At Angan Ka Utsav, the Chief Minister underlines the shared responsibility of families and society in nurturing children
GTNS , BHUBANESWAR | SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 , The innocence of young children took centre stage in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday as Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi spent time interacting with children during the state-level ‘Angan Ka Utsav’ and the ninth Rashtriya POSHAN Maah-2026 celebrations.
Held at an Anganwadi Centre in Baramunda, the programme brought together the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Women & Child Development Minister Pravati Parida, frontline workers and young beneficiaries. Majhi also distributed school bags containing learning materials to pre-school children.
Reflecting on his interaction with the children, Majhi described the moments spent in their company as memorable. He said their innocent smiles and affectionate conversations brought a sense of happiness and personal satisfaction.
The Chief Minister used the occasion to place children at the centre of Odisha’s long-term development narrative. According to his message, ensuring that children remain safe, healthy and adequately nourished is not merely a responsibility of mothers or frontline workers but a collective responsibility involving families and society.
Majhi also stressed the importance of the early years of childhood, with particular emphasis on nutrition and care during the first 1,000 days of life. He called for greater participation of fathers and other family members in childcare and nutritional support.
The programme also recognised the contribution of Anganwadi workers, helpers and ASHA workers involved in maternal and child welfare services. Their role was highlighted as an important link between government nutrition programmes and families at the grassroots level.
For Majhi, the interaction with the children carried a message beyond the event itself: the health, education and well-being of today’s children will have a direct bearing on the Odisha that emerges in the years ahead.
The government has also highlighted nutrition-related initiatives through Anganwadi centres and schools, while encouraging wider family participation in child development.
The day’s interaction therefore combined a personal moment for the Chief Minister with a broader public message—building a healthy and prosperous Odisha begins with giving its youngest citizens the care, nutrition, protection and learning opportunities they need.