SAS Nagar, August 23: The Governor of Punjab, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, today inaugurated the “Eat Right Walkathon and Mela” at GD Goenka Public School, Mohali. The event was jointly organised by GD Goenka Public School and The Red Carpet Ventures under the guidance of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Punjab Food and Drug Administration, with support from Herbalife.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor Sh. Kataria said that India’s youth can become the true strength of the nation only if they are nurtured with safe, nutritious and balanced food. He called Eat Right not merely a slogan but a movement that must be adopted by every citizen in daily life.
He noted that despite the progress in health and nutrition, lifestyle diseases like diabetes, obesity and hypertension are increasing due to poor dietary choices and sedentary routines. He urged people to return to traditional food wisdom, adopt millets in daily diet and make responsible food consumption a culture.
“Balanced diet, safe drinking water, sanitation and regular physical activity are essential not only to prevent diseases but also to ensure physical, mental, social and emotional well-being,” the Governor said. He also appreciated the Government of India’s decision to declare 2018 as the National Year of Millets and 2023 as the International Year of Millets, terming it a forward-looking step for both health and environmental sustainability.
The Governor lauded FSSAI’s Eat Right India Movement and initiatives like Blissful Hygiene Rating which, he said, are helping create awareness about safe and sustainable food practices across both urban and rural India.
The Walkathon and Mela witnessed participation of health experts, nutritionists, fitness enthusiasts, school students and members of the public. The Walkathon symbolised the collective resolve to adopt a healthy lifestyle, while the Mela offered engaging and informative displays on balanced and safe food options.
The Governor congratulated the organisers and extended best wishes for the success of the event, expressing hope that such initiatives will continue to inspire people towards healthier eating and regular physical activity, thereby helping to build a stronger and healthier India.
Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal, SDM Mohali Damandeep Kaur, Director Food and Drug Administration Ravneet Sidhu, School Management and representatives of supporting orgainsations were present on this occasion.