Punjab Govt encouraging establishment of nurseries in schools, colleges, and universities to raise awareness among students about food safety: Balmukund Sharma

Jalandhar/Kapurthala, October 16, 2025: The Punjab government is continuously making efforts to promote quality food management and food processing. The Punjab government is also encouraging the establishment of nurseries in schools, colleges, and universities to raise awareness among students about food safety. This information is shared by Chairman, Punjab State Food Commission, Balmukund Sharma. He was addressing a special event organized on the occasion of World Food Day at IK Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKGPTU) on Thursday as a special guest.
He also appealed to everyone to reduce one gram of salt and 10 grams of oil from their diet every day on this special day. Chairman Bal Mukund Sharma argued that this would not only improve health but also help address food shortages and reduce imports, thereby boosting the country's economy.
MLA Amritpal Singh Sukhanand from Bagha Purana constituency also attended the event as a special guest. MLA Amritpal Singh Sukhanand is also an alumnus of the university. In his address, MLA Sukhanand said that food is life and is not only a life issue but also a matter of economy. This day reminds us of our responsibility to ensure that no one goes hungry, and every inhabitant of the planet has access to safe, nutritious, and adequate food. It highlights the inextricable link between water, agriculture, and life. The Punjab government can only succeed in addressing food safety and management through the involvement of the youth. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every youth to ensure their participation in this field.
 
The ceremony was organized under the leadership of the University's Vice Chancellor, Dr. Sushil Mittal. Dr. Mittal congratulated everyone on Food Day and shared his thoughts on its importance and continued efforts.
At the beginning of the ceremony, all guests lit a lamp and prayed for enlightenment and enlightenment on this day. Registrar Dr. Navdeepak Sandhu delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the importance of the topic and the need for prompt action.
Renowned food safety experts, including Preeti Chawla (Member, Punjab State Food Commission), Vijay Dutt renowned journalist & author, Dr. Ritesh Sharma (APEDA), Ravneet Kaur (Director, Food and Drug Laboratory), Satyendra Singh (CEO, TBI - IISER Mohali), and Dr. Mohit Kumar (Scientist, NABI, Mohali), also attended the ceremony and addressed various aspects related to World Food Day.
Prior to this, the university held various competitions among students on topics related to World Food Day. All winners were honored by the guest panel at the end.
On this occasion, Chairman Balmukand Sharma and MLA Sukhanand inaugurated a nursery with indigenous (medicinal) plants at the university.