Bhubaneswar, 6 August (H.S.) The Department of Women and Child Development (WCD), Government of Odisha, today hosted the State-Level observance of World Breastfeeding Week 2025 at the Lok Seva Bhawan Convention Centre, Bhubaneswar. This year’s global theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System”, set the tone for a series of impactful discussions and initiatives promoting breastfeeding and maternal-child health.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Odisha’s Deputy Chief Minister Smt. Pravati Parida underscored the profound emotional and physical connection that breastfeeding fosters, stating, “Breastfeeding brings the child closer to the mother’s heart.” She emphasized the multiple health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months—for both mother and child—including lowered risks of breast and ovarian cancers, and enhanced mental well-being. She called for a collaborative effort across society to expand breastfeeding support centers throughout the state.
In a landmark move, Odisha inaugurated its first public Breastfeeding Room at the Odisha State Commission for Women Office, virtually launched by the Deputy Chief Minister. She also recommended that similar facilities be established in all public and private institutions across Odisha to support working and lactating mothers.
Smt. Parida further encouraged public participation in the ongoing “Aas Bulijiba Anganwadi” (Let’s Visit Anganwadi) campaign being held from August 1 to 15, promoting community engagement in child development. She described Anganwadi centers as a “second home for children” and stressed the need for their modernization to improve service delivery.
The event also saw the official launch of “Lok Kalyan”, an online platform for NGO registration, introduced by the Deputy CM. Operated by the Odisha State Social Welfare Board (OSSWB), the portal aims to bring transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in NGO partnerships under the WCD Department.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
