गृह-विज्ञान का विभाग

National Nutrition Week celebration- 2025, Department of Home Science, AMU

The Department of Home Science, Aligarh Muslim University marked a resounding success with its week-long observance of National Nutrition Week 2025, organised from 1st -7th September under the guidance and supervision of the chairperson, Prof. Saba Khan and all the faculty members of the department. The events were meticulously designed to translate the theme, “Eat right for a better life”, creating a deeper understanding of nutritional science through expert interaction and practical application.

The events began with a Qirat recitation by Tafseer Fatima (BSc 7th sem). The highlight was the opening address by Chairperson Prof. Saba Khan who delivered an insightful speech on the critical role of balanced diet and proper nutrition in promoting lifelong health and enhancing overall quality of life, followed by a pledge taken to promote healthy eating habits and a slogan writing competition on the theme “Eat to Nourish not to Punish “. This creative activity effectively encapsulated the week‟s mission to reframe relationship with food. A cornerstone of the week was a highly insightful expert lecture delivered by a distinguished resource person Dr. Sameena Ahmad, assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, JNMCH, AMU .The session provided a comprehensive exploration of “Emerging role of Vitamin D in Women’s Health” where she described the paramount importance of Vitamin D, aptly dubbed the „sunshine vitamin,‟ with a specific focus on women's health.

The students of department performed a skit on Nutritional Awareness among pre-school children in Doodle Kids School, Lal Diggi Road, Aligarh to aware the children about healthy foods with the purpose that the nutritional knowledge must start from the early years and the children must know about balanced diet and healthy eating habits.

At the end of the events, the department successfully conducted a "Healthy Recipe Competition," which became a vibrant display of culinary innovation and nutritional knowledge. The event featured an impressive array of entries, including protein-packed Moong Sprouts Chaat, nutrient-rich Ragi Brownies, high-fiber Soybean Salad, and innovative dishes like Deccan Dawn Delight and Nutriburst Corn Delight. Participants demonstrated exceptional creativity in transforming wholesome ingredients into delicious and visually appealing dishes. Each healthy recipe was rigorously evaluated by Dr. Shabistana Nisar, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Plant Protection, and Dr. Iram Aslam on critical parameters including nutritional value, acceptability, presentation, and adherence to hygiene standards.

Collectively, the week‟s events effectively championed the mission to make healthy eating enjoyable and accessible. The activities provided an exceptional platform for students to synergize theoretical learning with practical, hands-on experience, thereby reinforcing the department's unwavering commitment to promoting lifelong health and nutritional awareness within the wider community. The celebrations concluded on a high note, having made a significant contribution to the cause of public health nutrition.

The Department of Home Science at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) hosted a national seminar on “Inclusive Development and Gender Mainstreaming for Viksit Bharat,” where speakers shed light on key issues such as gender-responsive budgeting, policy formulation, and resource allocation. The discussions focused on fostering an inclusive development framework to achieve national growth through affirmative measures.

A highlight of the event was the launch of the journal “Community Outlook,” envisioned as a research platform dedicated to community-based initiatives and gender inclusion.

Speaking at the inaugural session, AMU Registrar, Mr. Mohammad Imran, IPS, emphasized the shared responsibility of students and institutions in promoting gender mainstreaming. He encouraged students to engage in community outreach, take on leadership roles, and contribute to research that informs policymaking. He also discussed institutional measures such as outreach to female students, campus safety audits, and fostering an inclusive environment.

Mr. Imran further outlined government schemes under Viksit Bharat, including Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), and Aatmanirbhar Bharat (ANB), which aim to drive national progress through inclusive development.

Prof. Akram Ahmad Khan, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, emphasized the role of universities in nurturing inclusive values, underlining rationality, education, and logistics as key components of development.

Prof. Saba Khan, Chairperson of the Department of Home Science, provided a comprehensive analysis of gender inclusion strategies. She highlighted government initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), Mahila Suraksha Kendra, and Ujjwala Yojana, reflecting the country’s commitment to women’s empowerment. Stressing the need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, she called for holistic strategies to ensure inclusive progress.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Sarita Anand, Head of the Department of Development Communication & Extension, Lady Irwin College, University of Delhi, delved into the concepts of gender equality, gender equity, gender mainstreaming, and gender responsive budgeting. She shared inspiring examples of women breaking societal barriers and championed slogans like ‘Lakhpati Didi’ and ‘Crorepati Didi,’ underscoring economic empowerment as a critical factor in gender inclusion.

Following the inaugural ceremony, 26 research papers were presented across three thematic sessions. Topics ranged from nutrition, healthcare, digital fashion sustainability, and economic empowerment to gender-based violence, microplastics in food, and intersectional barriers to education. Notable discussions included gestational diabetes management, PCOS awareness, vocational education for economic development, and social justice in gender mainstreaming.

The seminar’s sessions were chaired by Dr. Naghma Azhar, Dr. QurratulAein Ali, and Dr. Yasmeen Ansari, with coordination led by Dr. Zeba, Dr. Iram Aslam, and Dr. Naseem Us Sahar.

The event concluded with Prof. Saba Khan felicitating committee members for their contributions, while Dr. Mariyam delivered a vote of thanks.

Public Relations Office

Aligarh Muslim University

Students of B.Sc. Final year of Dept. of Home Science also organized a fest entitled “Nutrifest Budget Bites” on 18.03. 23 as a part of their nutritional practical for skill development and entrepreneurship.

An Intervention Program entitled " Aurat ka Ek Khoobsurat Sapna Vayaphaar ho Uska Apna" on 18 March 2023 in the Dept. of Home Science organized by Ms. Shagufa Inayat Research Scholar under the supervision of Dr. Saba Khan.