GUATEMALA CITY (TIP): The Embassy of India in Guatemala City, in collaboration with the India–Guatemala Chamber of Commerce & Culture, organized a special programme to mark National Nutrition Week 2025 in Guatemala City on 9 September 2025. The event aimed to highlight India’s achievements in the field of nutrition and child welfare while creating a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration with Guatemala on these important issues.

In his keynote address, H.E. Mr. Raj Kumar Singh, Ambassador of India to Guatemala, underscored the need to move beyond mere awareness and bring nutrition onto our plates every day. He highlighted India’s flagship programs, particularly the PM Poshan Scheme (formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme), which provides hot cooked meals to over 120 million school children daily. He explained how such initiatives have improved children’s health, nutrition and school attendance while also contributing to social equity and women’s empowerment. The Ambassador welcomed greater cooperation between India and Guatemala to develop similar approaches and share expertise for healthier futures.

Mr. Ramesh Khulbey, Head of Chancery, delivered a detailed and informative presentation on the PM Poshan Scheme. He explained the scheme’s objectives, its scale of implementation across India, and the measurable impact it has created on children’s health and learning outcomes. His presentation generated keen interest from Guatemalan officials, local business leaders, health professionals and members of civil society, who saw the potential for adapting elements of the scheme within the Guatemalan context.

Hon’ble Mayor Mr. Emilio Vargas, along with other distinguished guests, commended India’s initiatives in the field of nutrition and child welfare. They appreciated the insights shared during the programme and expressed their willingness to explore avenues for bilateral collaboration. Their remarks highlighted a shared understanding that nutrition is fundamental to public health and education, and that India’s experience offers valuable lessons for Guatemala.

The event was well attended by representatives from the Guatemala City Municipality, NGOs, health professionals, members of the India–Guatemala Chamber of Commerce & Culture, and the Indian community. It successfully raised awareness about India’s nutrition initiatives and generated interest among Guatemalan stakeholders to learn from India’s experience. The Embassy intends to build on this momentum by facilitating further dialogue and knowledge-sharing sessions, including possible hybrid interactions between Indian experts and Guatemalan counterparts, with the long-term goal of strengthening cooperation in health, nutrition and child welfare.

(Based on a press Release issued by the Embassy of India in Guatemala)