NIT Manipur celebrates World Food Day in Tadubi

DIMAPUR — The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur, in collaboration with Mao-Maram Government Higher Secondary School in Tadubi under Senapati district, celebrated World Food Day 2025 on Thursday on the theme “Hand in hand for better foods and a better future.”

An update from NIT Manipur stated that the event was organised as part of the ongoing project titled ‘Mainstreaming agro-biodiversity conservation for climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods,’ sponsored under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, through the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment.

It stated that the programme was aimed at promoting awareness on sustainable food systems, traditional crop diversity, and kitchen gardening as a practical approach toward food security and climate resilience.

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The celebration began with an inaugural address delivered by Hriiziio Adahe, headmaster of Mao-Maram Government Higher Ssecondary School, followed by an introduction on World Food Day 2025 by Manine Alice.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Adani Azhoni, head of Civil Engineering department at NIT Manipur, emphasised that the initiative was part of NIT Manipur’s broader outreach to promote agrobiodiversity conservation for climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods in the region. He acknowledged the contributions of co–principal investigators namely Dr. Chubamenla Jamir of Native Foodscape and Dr. Mala Narang, both based in Delhi, for their continued collaboration and support in the project.

It stated that a special session on ‘Local crops and healthy eating’ was conducted by Athia Kolakhe, who highlighted the nutritional value and cultural importance of traditional local crops. It was followed by a talk on ‘Kitchen gardening as a small business idea,’ delivered by Chakho Piku, senior teacher, wherein discussed how community-level food production could enhance both nutrition and livelihoods.

It stated that Manine Alice led an activity titled ‘The great food hunt,’ engaging students in learning about food sources, sustainability and healthy dietary choices, while a hands-on gardening session was led by A Nelia, who provided students with practical experience in planting, composting and garden maintenance.

The programme concluded with a collective pledge for healthy eating, wherein the participants affirmed their commitment to sustainable food habits and local food preservation.

It stated that similar programme celebrating World Food Day on the same theme and objectives has been planned on October 22 at Government Middle School in Pfutseromi village under Phek district to further extend awareness on sustainable food practices across the hill regions.

The celebration brought together more than two hundred students, teachers and community members, reinforcing the message of collective responsibility in building a sustainable and food-secure future.