World Food Day 2024 celebrated with food gala, poster exhibition, seminar at SU

The University of Sindh’s Institute of Biochemistry celebrated World Food Day 2024 with a vibrant food gala, poster exhibition and an enlightening seminar on food security. The event aimed to raise awareness about food accessibility, healthy eating practices and the importance of nutrition, while also engaging students in hands-on learning and community-building activities.

The festivities kicked off with a bustling food gala organized by students, who set up various food stalls across the lawn and courtyard of the Institute of Biochemistry. The stalls offered a range of local delicacies, attracting students from multiple departments who enjoyed the food and the lively ambiance. The crowd resembled that of a large festival, underscoring the popularity and significance of the event among the student body.

Simultaneously, a poster exhibition was arranged to highlight key themes in nutrition, food security and sustainable food practices. The exhibition invited the attention of a significant number of students and scholars, who explored the visual presentations on topics of food safety, sustainable agriculture and the role of nutrition in health.

A seminar titled "Right to Food for a Better Life and a Better Future" alongside the gala and exhibition, held at the Department of Nutrition & Food Science within the Institute of Biochemistry. Vice-Chancellor Professor (Meritorious) Dr Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro presided over the seminar. He shared valuable insights into the role of food and nutrition in public health and personal well-being. He said that a healthy society relied on the consumption of nutritious, organic foods, adding that a better life was only possible through the consumption of hygienic and organic foods.

Reflecting on Pakistan’s standing in global food security, Dr. Kalhoro highlighted alarming statistics from the 2024 Global Hunger Index, where Pakistan ranked 109th out of 127 countries. He pointed out that 36.9% of the population faces food insecurity, with 20.5% undernourished and nearly 4% of children under five affected by stunting.

He encouraged students to pursue expertise in food science and nutrition and stated that a deeper understanding of these fields was essential for creating a healthier society.

He further emphasized the importance of incorporating research and practical skills to make meaningful contributions to Pakistan's food and health sectors.

The Director General of the Sindh Food Authority Muzamil Hussain Halepoto underscored the government’s ongoing initiatives to ensure food quality and safety. He said that the Sindh government had established a robust network between the people and the food sector, allowing for timely redressal of public complaints and the promotion of healthier food practices.

He commended the event’s role in providing practical learning for students and encouraged them to develop skills crucial for societal welfare.

Public Health expert Dr. Gulzar Usman discussed government efforts in Sindh to improve food safety, while the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences Professor Dr. Agha Asad Noor stressed the importance of food security and proper nutrition for a sustainable future. He called upon the youth to prioritize healthy eating practices and said that good nutrition was foundational for a better life.

Among others, Sajid Ahmed Junejo of Archroma Industries, nutrition specialist Dr. Naveed Bhutto, Abdul Salam Khan, Syed Nasrullah Khan, Professor Naseem Aslam Channa, Deputy Director of the Food Department Aqila Jalbani, Dr. Autif Hussain Mangi, and other esteemed professionals.

Traditional Sindhi ajrak shawls were presented and shields were distributed to the guests to honor them. Additionally, certificates of appreciation were awarded to students who achieved notable positions in the food gala and poster competition.