The ICMR-Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC), Bhubaneswar, inaugurated a five-day National Hands-on Workshop on Nutritional Assessment, Dietary Profiling, and Anthropometry today at its auditorium. The workshop, supported by the Department of Health Research (DHR), brings together scholars, practitioners, and experts from across the country to discuss and train on advanced approaches to nutrition assessment.

In her inaugural address, Smt. Anu Garg, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Planning & Convergence Department, Government of Odisha, highlighted the importance of the first two years of a child’s life. She emphasized the need for equitable implementation of nutritional programs, adolescent health improvements, universal access to good nutrition for vulnerable communities, a 90% reduction in anaemia, and better breastfeeding practices as cornerstones for achieving Viksit Bharat 2047. Stressing on Behaviour Change Communication (BCC), she called for stronger public awareness and governance focus on nutrition.

Smt. Shubha Sarma, Principal Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Odisha, noted that RMRC Bhubaneswar is a vital partner in strengthening the state’s nutrition mission. She underscored the significance of data-driven, technology-enabled, and multi-stakeholder approaches, along with cultural sensitivity in family nutritional practices, to build a healthier society and economy.

Dr. Sanghamitra Pati, Additional Director General, ICMR, New Delhi, and Director, RMRC Bhubaneswar, welcomed the dignitaries and emphasized the evolving scope of nutrition science, which now addresses the double burden of malnutrition—undernutrition and obesity. She said the workshop would equip participants to tackle these dual challenges.

Ms. Marie-Claude Desilets, Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF India, likened nutrition to infrastructure, stating, “Healthy diets build strong people for a strong foundation.” She emphasized investing in good nutrition for mothers and families as crucial to nation-building.

Dr. Aditya Mahapatra, Additional Director, Child Health, stressed the need for nutrition across childhood and reproductive years to break the cycle of undernutrition, while Dr. Subhendu Kumar Acharya, Scientist D and Organizing Secretary, delivered the vote of thanks.

On this occasion, several new initiatives were launched, including:

Nutrition Knowledge & Social & Behaviour Change Hub at ICMR-RMRC Bhubaneswar (in collaboration with UNICEF).

Odisha State chapter of the Nutrition Foundation of India (NSI).

Executive Report on “Nutritional Status and Health Risk Behaviors among Tribal Adolescents in Odisha.”

Practical Manual titled “Techniques of Nutritional Assessment: A Practical Manual.”

The inaugural session was graced by eminent dignitaries including Smt. Mitali Chinara, Chairperson, PG Council, Utkal University; Prof. AB Ota, former Director, SCSTRTI, Bhubaneswar; Mr. William Hanlon Jr., CFO, UNICEF Bhubaneswar; Mr. Sourav Bhattacharjee, Nutrition Specialist, UNICEF Bhubaneswar; and Dr. Sugata Roy, Specialist, Behavioural Change Communication, UNICEF Bhubaneswar, along with faculty members, experts, and participants from across India.

The workshop will continue till September 5, 2025, with nationally renowned experts providing a comprehensive understanding of nutrition from policy to community practice.