Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga launches National Nutrition Month 2026

The Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), under the Ministry of Ayush, inaugurated the ninth National Nutrition Month 2026. Held under the auspices of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the program focused on dietary diversity, healthy eating habits, and the importance of adequate protein consumption.

During the event, Dr. Jyoti Keswani, Director (Additional Charge) of MDNIY, led a nutrition pledge to promote public awareness regarding nutritious diets and healthy lifestyles. Dr. Swati Jain, a scientist from the ICMR-National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, delivered a lecture on dietary diversity and protein requirements.

Dr. Jain highlighted that protein is essential for tissue repair, immunity, muscle maintenance, and hormone production. Citing ICMR-NIN guidelines, she noted that healthy adults require approximately 0.83 grams of high-quality protein per kilogram of body weight daily, or 1.0 gram for grain-based diets. She encouraged incorporating diverse foods such as pulses, milk, soy, nuts, and seeds into traditional meal combinations.