Speakers Share Important Insights on Infant Health and Maternal Nutrition, Women Made Aware
Bhagalpur/TMBU: A special seminar and awareness program was organized on Friday at the Post-Graduate (PG) Home Science Department of Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University (TMBU) on the occasion of 'World Breastfeeding Week'. The main objective of the program held on the department premises was to spread awareness across all sections of society regarding the unparalleled importance of mother's milk in a newborn's early life, infant health, and nutritional awareness. During the program, speakers emphasized that breastfeeding is not merely a biological process, but the strongest foundation for a child's complete mental and physical development.
Inception of the Program and Welcome of Guests
The program commenced with the joint lighting of the ceremonial lamp by university professors, the head of the department, teachers, and research scholars. The female students of the PG Home Science Department welcomed the arriving guests by presenting a welcome song. The department honored all the keynote speakers by presenting them with traditional stoles (ang vastra) and potted plants, conveying a beautiful message of environmental protection and the promotion of life.
Presiding over the program, the head of the department stated in his address that in today's fast-paced life, mothers sometimes get influenced by modernity and deprive their infants of mother's milk, which can prove extremely detrimental to the child's health. He noted that the mother's first thick yellow milk (known as colostrum) acts as the world's first vaccine for any newborn, providing the strength to fight multiple serious illnesses.
Discussion on the Theme "Breastfeeding: The Cornerstone of Life"
During the program, a detailed lecture session was organized on the theme "Breastfeeding and Infant Health." Faculty members and medical experts of the department shed light on the benefits of breastfeeding from both scientific and social perspectives.
A Boon for the Infant: Experts explained that initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of birth is mandatory. Mother's milk contains all essential nutrients, vitamins, and antibodies that strengthen the child's immune system.
Beneficial for Maternal Health as Well: The seminar also highlighted that regular breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of various postpartum health complications, breast cancer, and uterine diseases in mothers.
Mental and Emotional Development: This close bond between mother and child plays a crucial role in the child's psychological and emotional development.
Students Present Awareness Through Posters and Speeches
On this special occasion of World Breastfeeding Week, female students of the PG Home Science Department participated enthusiastically. Through colorful posters, the students beautifully illustrated the benefits, misconceptions, and social importance of breastfeeding. Additionally, several students delivered speeches striking hard against the social taboos and myths that deter women from breastfeeding.
The panel of judges also awarded prizes to the students with the best performances. This creative display by the students captivated everyone present, conveying a strong message about how aware the younger generation is regarding this serious and sensitive issue.
Resolution to Spread the Message to Every Section of Society
At the conclusion of the program, all teachers, research scholars, and students collectively resolved to raise awareness about breastfeeding among women in their families, neighboring communities, and rural areas. They emphasized that this chain of awareness must reach every household so that no newborn is deprived of this fundamental right.
The seminar organized at TMBU's PG Home Science Department was not only a success from an academic standpoint, but it also delivered a positive and health-focused message to society. The event concluded with a vote of thanks followed by the national anthem.
