The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting launched the Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme on POSHAN MAAH 2026 in Hyderabad on 1 September 2026. Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Dr. K. Laxman inaugurated the event, organised by the Central Bureau of Communication, a wing of the ministry. The five-day programme aims to spread awareness about nutrition and healthy living among students, families and disadvantaged communities.
What the programme includes
The Integrated Communication and Outreach Programme runs from 1 to 5 September 2026 at AV College Grounds in Hyderabad. It features around 40 nutrition information panels, talks by nutrition experts, information and education stalls, and demonstrations. The programme also includes performances in traditional folk art forms such as Oggukatha, street plays and Yakshagana, all designed to communicate messages about healthy eating and good nutrition.
Dr. Laxman highlighted scale of ongoing nutrition efforts in India. Approximately 14 lakh Anganwadi Centres and nearly 9 crore children are being tracked digitally. Around 12 crore children receive hot cooked meals daily across more than 11 lakh schools. In Telangana specifically, the proportion of children with stunted growth has fallen from 33 per cent to 27 per cent.
The programme also promotes millets and traditional food practices. Dr. Laxman noted that 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets and encouraged young people to explore business opportunities in nutrition-focused food products.
What this means for you
If you are a student or young person in Hyderabad, you can visit the free exhibition and learn about nutrition challenges like anaemia, obesity and stunted growth. The programme encourages you to volunteer in nutrition awareness campaigns in your neighbourhoods and schools. The event also demonstrates how traditional foods and millets can support both health and farming communities, and highlights opportunities for young entrepreneurs interested in nutrition-based startups.