TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 27, 2024: A heartwarming tradition is taking root in Chhattisgarh as the state’s schools embrace the concept of “Invitation Food,” a community-driven initiative launched by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai. More than 75,000 invitation feasts have been organized across 30,000 schools in the state, thanks to the active participation of local communities. The initiative, which encourages people to celebrate special occasions by providing meals to schoolchildren, has garnered widespread appreciation for fostering community interaction and addressing child nutrition.
One recent event in Bilaspur district marked a poignant example of this initiative. Shri Pratap Patanwar, a retired teacher from Pandit Ramdulare Dubey Swami Atmanand Government Higher Secondary Boys School, organized a feast for 700 students on his birthday. With tears in his eyes, Patanwar reflected on the significance of the gesture, saying, “I am happy that I was able to do something special for the children, for whom I worked for 42 years. This scheme is truly wonderful because it connects us with those who value our contributions.” His words highlight the deep emotional impact of the initiative, especially as many of the children in government schools come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
The Invitation Food program is part of the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Yojana, designed to improve the nutritional intake of children in schools. It allows individuals or organizations to contribute meals, snacks, fruits, or other nutritious items to children on their birthdays, anniversaries, or other significant milestones. This initiative not only supports child nutrition but also strengthens the relationship between schools and local communities, with senior officials visiting schools during the feasts, ensuring better monitoring of school programs.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai has explained that the concept draws inspiration from Chhattisgarh’s long-standing tradition of giving donations, particularly during the Cherchera festival, which celebrates the harvest. “Food donation has been called Mahadaan in our scriptures, and we are leveraging this cultural tradition to fight malnutrition among children,” he said. The program was first initiated by the Chief Minister himself in his native village of Bagiya, where he provided meals to children in the ashram school on his birthday.
The response to the Invitation Food initiative has been overwhelming, with schools in various districts actively participating. Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai and Kondagaon districts have seen invitation feasts organized in 99% of their schools, while districts like Janjgir-Champa (98%), Dhamtari (96%), Sukma and Rajnandgaon (95%), and Balod (93%) are also showing strong participation. In other districts such as Raigarh, Bilaspur, and Dantewada, the program continues to grow, making a meaningful impact on both child nutrition and community engagement.
This innovative approach not only nurtures the children’s health but also brings the community closer to the schools, creating a supportive environment for education and well-being. The continued success of the Invitation Food program reflects the collective commitment to improving the lives of children in Chhattisgarh.
