PM Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Nominations Extended to Aug 15

In a separate announcement, the Ministry said it plans to observe World Breastfeeding Week 2026 from August 1 to 7 across the country. This year’s theme is “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works.”

The week-long campaign aims to create awareness among families, communities and healthcare providers about early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continued breastfeeding up to two years and beyond alongside appropriate complementary feeding.

The Ministry described breastfeeding as one of the most effective interventions for child survival, healthy growth and cognitive development. It urged families to ensure every newborn receives breast milk within the first hour after birth—the Golden Hour. The first milk, colostrum, often called the baby’s first natural vaccine, is rich in antibodies and essential nutrition and must not be discarded.

Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months means feeding the baby only breast milk—no water, honey, ghutti, glucose or formula. Breast milk alone meets all of an infant’s nutritional and hydration needs during this period, the Ministry stated.

The dual announcements reflect the Ministry’s ongoing focus on recognising exceptional achievement among children and promoting foundational practices that support early childhood health and development.