Ampati, April 25 : Schools across South West Garo Hills today celebrated School Nutrition Garden Day (SNG Day) with the theme “Grow to be Healthy”, emphasizing the importance of nutritious and organic food for children. Hathisil Government Lower Primary School in Ampati was among the schools that observed the occasion with enthusiastic participation from students, teachers, and local leaders.
The celebration at Hathisil Government LP School was graced by Clement G. Momin, Vice-Chairman of the State Reforms and Development Commission, Government of Meghalaya, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Momin highlighted the importance of kitchen gardens, stating, “The very purpose of the Kitchen Garden is to get purely organic food, which is essential and safe for our growth and development.”
Jogodish Hajong, Director of the Implementation and Monitoring Committee, served as the Guest of Honour. He emphasized the need to instil the culture of kitchen gardening among children to ensure access to fresh and nutritious food.
Delivering the keynote address, Emphul Ch. Marak, Sub-Divisional School Education Officer (SDSEO), Ampati, proudly noted that South West Garo Hills had received an award last year for maintaining nutrition gardens in all schools. He urged all schools to continue their commitment to the initiative this year as well.
Apojit Koch, Horticulture Development Officer, spoke on the importance of maintaining kitchen gardens organically and advised against the use of chemical pesticides. Giting Ripamchi R. Marak, Agriculture Development Officer, elaborated on the benefits of healthy eating and explained the concept of a “Nutrition Rainbow”, encouraging a variety of colorful foods to ensure a range of essential vitamins and nutrients.
As part of the celebration, the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments distributed seeds to schools. Local leader Q.M. Sangma also addressed the gathering, reinforcing community support for the initiative. The Chief Guest, along with other officials, participated in a symbolic planting of seeds and saplings in the school’s kitchen garden.
The event concluded with a Tithi Bhojan, a communal feast shared by the students and community members, further emphasizing a sense of togetherness and reinforcing the importance of nutrition.
