Grand Awareness Program Organized on World Breastfeeding Week at the Postgraduate Department of Home Science, Lalit Narayan Mithila University: Registrar Dr. Divya Rani States
Darbhanga: An extremely significant and inspiring event related to health, nutrition, and awareness took place on the campus of the prestigious Lalit Narayan Mithila University (LNMU) in Bihar. A grand awareness program was organized on the special occasion of 'World Breastfeeding Week' at the auditorium of the Postgraduate Department of Home Science. University officials, faculty members, researchers, and a large number of students enthusiastically participated in this event. The keynote speaker and University Registrar, Dr. Divya Rani, highlighted the importance of breastfeeding in her main address, sharing vital insights. She explicitly stated that a mother's milk is the most essential and indispensable diet for a newborn's holistic development, immunity, and a strong future. The primary objective of this event was to dispel misconceptions regarding breastfeeding among mothers and the younger generation while spreading widespread public awareness about its scientific and health benefits.
Inauguration of the Program and Welcome Ceremony
The program commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp and the welcoming of guests. The Head of the Postgraduate Department of Home Science, faculty members, and other esteemed teachers welcomed Registrar Dr. Divya Rani and other special guests by presenting bouquets and traditional shawls (angavastram).
Active Role of the Home Science Department: The department has consistently organized such socially useful programs. The objective of the current event was not merely academic discussion, but to demonstrate the university's commitment to the health security of society's most vulnerable and newborns.
Participation of Students and Researchers: Female students, postgraduate scholars, and researchers of the Home Science department presented their thoughts through various charts, posters, and short skits depicting the importance of breastfeeding.
Keynote Address by Registrar Dr. Divya Rani: "Mother's Milk is Supreme Nutrition for a Newborn"
Addressing the gathering, University Registrar Dr. Divya Rani stated that the feeling of motherhood is the most beautiful feeling in the world, and a mother's milk immediately after a child's birth acts as the first life-saving vaccine.
Mandatory for Infant Development: In her address, Dr. Divya Rani explained in detail that a newborn must be fed the mother's thick yellow milk (colostrum) within the first hour of birth. This milk strengthens the baby's intestines and provides immense power to fight early infections.
Physical and Mental Fortitude: She noted that children who receive exclusively breastmilk in their early months exhibit significantly better intellectual development and physical health compared to other children. Mother's milk naturally contains all the essential nutrients required by a newborn.
Positive Impact on Maternal Health: The Registrar did not limit her remarks to infants alone; she also explained that breastfeeding has a profoundly positive impact on mothers' health, significantly reducing the risk of breast cancer and various severe uterine disorders among women.
Insights from Experts and Speakers: The Need to Eradicate Misconceptions
Other experts, teachers, and department heads present at the event also shared their views, expressing deep concern over conservative mindsets and misconceptions prevalent in society.
Eradicating Misconceptions: Speakers pointed out that even today, in many rural and backward areas, people do not feed newborns the mother's first milk (colostrum), discarding it instead and replacing it with honey, herbal concoctions, or other external substances—which is entirely wrong and harmful from both scientific and health perspectives.
Need for Awareness Campaigns: Speakers emphasized that it is the moral duty of students and scholars associated with the Home Science department and the university to visit villages and urban settlements to educate women about the scientific importance of breastfeeding, ensuring that no newborn is deprived of this natural right.
Conclusion and Pledge Ceremony
At the conclusion of the program, the Home Science department took a collective pledge to carry the message of Breastfeeding Week to every household across the university campus and surrounding rural areas.
Message of Nutrition and Health: Department faculty inspired all students to become carriers of this message within their families and communities.
Vote of Thanks: The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by a senior faculty member of the department, followed by the National Anthem to mark the successful wrap-up of this educational awareness event.
The breastfeeding awareness program held at the Postgraduate Department of Home Science, Lalit Narayan Mithila University, proves that higher education institutions are not confined to textbook learning alone, but are deeply sensitive to the fundamental and health-related challenges of society. Conducted under the guidance of Registrar Dr. Divya Rani, this event brought forth a positive message for Darbhanga district and the entire Mithila region, serving as a milestone in building a healthy society.
