Cabinet Minister Baby Rani Maurya hails frontline workers as symbols of Nari Shakti
Lucknow : Under the dynamic leadership of Women and Child Development Minister Baby Rani Maurya, Uttar Pradesh’s ambitious ‘Sambhav’ campaign has set new benchmarks in maternal and child nutrition. The campaign has not only improved health and nutrition outcomes but also transformed the role of Anganwadi workers into pillars of grassroots change.
In recognition of their extraordinary efforts, five exemplary Anganwadi workers from Varanasi, Chandauli, Shravasti, Unnao, and Farrukhabad were recently honored by Cabinet Minister Baby Rani Maurya for their outstanding contributions to child nutrition, maternal health, adolescent awareness, and digital proficiency.
These women have made significant strides in reversing malnutrition, empowering adolescent girls, ensuring immunization, and embracing digital innovations such as e-Kavach, nutrition trackers, and e-KYC.
The Five Faces of ‘Sambhav’: Women Who Made the Impossible Possible
1. Sarita Devi – Sundarpur 6, Varanasi
Sarita Devi turned her sector into a movement. She facilitated the rehabilitation of over 12 severely malnourished (SAM) children, coordinated with NRCs, and raised exclusive breastfeeding awareness to 80%. Her work led to 90% immunization coverage and transformative adolescent health education.
2. Sujata Kushwaha – Ramgarh, Chandauli
With relentless resolve, Sujata ensured 90% of infants were exclusively breastfed, improved vaccination rates, and tackled adolescent anemia through education and Iron-Folic Acid (IFA) supplement distribution. Her 100% digital reporting on the nutrition tracker reflects her tech-savviness.
3. Pankali – Kakandhu-2, Shravasti
Operating in a resource-scarce village, Pankali identified and supported 12+ SAM children and six anemic women, linking them to healthcare and counseling. Her efforts in raising community awareness on complementary feeding and adolescent well-being laid the foundation for a nutrition-literate society.
4. Sajni Awasthi – Rampuri-1, Unnao
Sajni’s contribution is both social and structural. She recorded and treated four malnourished children via the e-Kavach portal, reintegrated five anemic girls into education, and facilitated PM Matru Vandana Yojana benefits to 64 women. Her impact has been pivotal in ECCE-linked child education.
5. Chandramukhi – Palia, Shamshabad, Farrukhabad
Through e-Kavach, Chandramukhi helped three SAM children gain recovery via NRCs, while community-supported efforts brought nine more children to normal nutrition status. Her 100% e-KYC and data verification, coupled with zero complaints in three years on IGRS, underscore her discipline and commitment.
Minister Maurya Applauds Nari Shakti
Baby Rani Maurya praised the awardees, saying:
“These women are not just Anganwadi workers—they are change agents, protectors of the next generation, and living examples of Nari Shakti. Their service transforms statistics into stories of hope and healing.”
She added that the Sambhav campaign (now in Phase 0.4) has gone beyond curbing malnutrition—impacting maternal health, community education, and adolescent empowerment. The inclusion of digital platforms like e-Kavach, Nutrition Tracker, and ECCE integration has enhanced transparency and delivery.
Sambhav’s Broader Impact
Launched by the Department of Child Development and Nutrition, Sambhav has emerged as a model campaign for:
- Rehabilitating SAM children through NRCs
- Combating anemia in girls and pregnant women
- Boosting breastfeeding and immunization awareness
- Digitally monitoring nutrition efforts
- Empowering communities through training and outreach
A Salute to Silent Heroes
These five awardees are just the tip of the iceberg. Thousands more Anganwadi workers across the state are quietly scripting stories of transformation. Their dedication, empathy, and digital adaptability are paving the path for a healthier, nourished, and empowered Uttar Pradesh.
The Department of Child Development and Nutrition extends its gratitude and admiration to these unsung heroes and reaffirms its commitment to empowering women who make “Sambhav – Possible.”
