President Pranab Mukherjee today launched a naton-wide information, education and communication campaign aimed at making India free from malnutrition.

Speaking at a function in New Delhi this evening, Mr Mukherjee expressed concern and said utmost priority must be accorded to prevent malnutrition to avert irreversible cumulative growth and development deficits. He said the country must do the utmost at a time when Indian economy is on a strong positive growth trajectory. The President said until the government ensure good nutrition and health for the children and their mothers, it is not possible to achieve the targets of sustained and inlusive growth.

Women and Child Development Minister Mrs Krishna Tirath said the campaign to eradicate malnutrtion would create greater sensitivity for woimen and children in the society. She said the fight against malnutrition should reach from every anganwadi centre to each and every family in the country.

Noted film actor Aamir Khan asked the people to invove themselves in the country-wide movement. He said malnutrition is an important issue and it must be fought. He underlined the need for a multi-media campaign.