KISHTWAR, NOVEMBER 3: In line to the Eat Right Challenge 3.0 under the aegis of FSSAI, a Eat Right Millet Walkathon was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr. Devansh Yadav here from the DC Office Complex.
The Walkathon was organized in compliance with the directives of Commissioner FDA J&K, Shakeel ul Rehman, by the designated Food Safety Officer, DFCO Kishtwar, along with the team of Enforcement Officers/Officials, comprising Sajad Hussain, Food Safety Officer for Kishtwar and Shamem Akhter, Field Worker for DFCO Kishtwar.
A significant number of participants, including food business operators, officials from different departments, students, and citizens, enthusiastically took part in this program. More than 300 students from different schools participated in this Millet Walkathon, including those from New Era Public School, Asaria Valley School, UPS Bhoop Nagar, Divine Lite School, and Iqbal Academy, who participated with great enthusiasm.
The Walkathon commenced at 10:00 AM from the District Administration Complex and after passing through the markets via Dak Banglow, it concluded at Parade Ground Kishtwar.
During this event, slogans were raised to promote the benefits of Millet and its significance in our daily lives as an essential nutritional component. Moreover, slogans like “Eat Right, Eat Healthy, and Eat Fortified” were chanted, with the message “Awo kum karain thora Tail chini aur Namak” to encourage a better lifestyle, longevity, and wellness.
In his address, the DC Kishtwar emphasized the importance of Millet as a nutritional part of daily life and encouraged everyone to include the same in their meals. He praised the efforts of the Department of Food Safety Kishtwar and stressed the need for holding similar events at the Tehsil level to raise maximum awareness about the implementation of Millets in line with the “Eat Right, Eat Healthy & Eat Fortified” campaign. He also urged the department to double its efforts to ensure safe and wholesome food for consumers.
Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, the Designated Officer for Food Safety in DFCO Kishtwar, urged participants to explore the benefits of Millet and adopt healthy eating habits, avoiding junk food as much as possible to prevent foodborne diseases. He also highlighted the achievements of the Department and called upon Food Business Operators (FBOs), especially manufacturers, hoteliers, and restaurant owners, to embrace hygiene practices, undergo hygiene ratings, and participate in FoSTaC training to provide clean and safe food to consumers.
Other speakers emphasized the impact of adulteration and stated that non-communicable diseases can be reduced through a healthy lifestyle, which includes exercise and healthy eating habits.
