Imphal, September 24, 2025: The Social Welfare Department, Government of Manipur on Tuesday organised the Nation First @ 75 celebration at the Sawombung Community Hall in Imphal East district, highlighting the critical role of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in building a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Manipur through improved nutrition, healthcare, and education for children and mothers.
The programme brought together government officials, Anganwadi workers, community leaders, and beneficiaries to promote awareness about child development and maternal health while showcasing initiatives aimed at strengthening early childhood education and nutrition services across the state.
The event was attended by Robert Singh Kshetrimayum, IAS, Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, as the Chief Guest. Anna Arambam, IAS, Director of Social Welfare, presided over the function, while Nivedita Lairenlakpam, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Imphal East, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary Robert Singh Kshetrimayum emphasised that investing in the health, nutrition, and education of young children is essential for building a stronger and more prosperous society. He noted that early childhood development lays the foundation for lifelong learning, improved health outcomes, and overall human development.
The programme featured a number of activities highlighting the role of Anganwadi centres in promoting nutrition, education, and community participation. One of the key attractions was a local toy exhibition, where Anganwadi Workers displayed educational toys made from locally available materials, showcasing indigenous knowledge and creative learning methods for young children.
Participants also organised demonstrations of nutritious food thalis and complementary foods suitable for different stages of child development. The exhibition aimed to educate parents and caregivers about balanced diets and age-appropriate nutrition to improve child health and combat malnutrition.
As part of the nationwide Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign, officials, guests, and participants took part in a tree plantation drive to promote environmental conservation and encourage community participation in creating a greener future.
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The event also included the distribution of nutritious food to pregnant and lactating mothers to support maternal and child health. In addition, eligible beneficiaries were provided with on-the-spot registration under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), enabling them to access maternity benefits and financial assistance under the central government scheme.
District-level officers, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) functionaries, Child Development Project Officers (CDPOs), supervisors, local clubs, beneficiaries of Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0, and members of the community actively participated in the programme.
Officials reiterated that empowering mothers, caregivers, and children through integrated health, nutrition, and education initiatives remains central to the state's vision of building a healthier and more progressive Manipur. They said programmes such as Nation First @ 75 strengthen awareness about child development while encouraging greater community participation in ensuring the well-being and holistic development of every child.
