Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla supports “Mama’s Gift,” a locally made nutritious supplement for infants in relief camps. Developed under MSRLM and NHM guidance, the initiative benefits displaced children, promotes women’s livelihoods, and strengthens community resilience across violence-hit districts.
In a compassionate gesture aimed at nurturing the youngest victims of Manipur’s prolonged ethnic violence, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Saturday extended financial assistance to the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM) to enhance the production and distribution of “Mama’s Gift”—a locally prepared nutritional supplement for infants living in relief camps across the state.
According to officials from Raj Bhavan, Imphal, “Mama’s Gift” is a community-driven initiative designed to meet the dietary needs of children aged nine months and above, who were displaced due to the ethnic unrest that erupted in May 2023. The supplement has become a lifeline for hundreds of malnourished infants in makeshift camps spread across the Imphal Valley and several hill districts.
Locally Produced Nutrient Mix for Displaced Children
Developed under the technical guidance of doctors and nutritionists from the National Health Mission (NHM), Manipur, “Mama’s Gift” is produced by the Lamyanbi Village Level Federation (VLF) of Khurai, operating under the MSRLM. The initiative began in June 2023, soon after the violence displaced thousands of families across the state.
Officials said that the project aims to ensure that infants receive a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, especially in relief camps where access to proper food, sanitation, and healthcare remains limited. The ready-to-eat supplement, also known as “Mama’s Nutrimix”, contains atta (flour), roasted soybean, roasted chana (gram), milk powder, and sugar — all locally sourced and easily available.
The supplement is simple to prepare—just mixed with lukewarm water and served directly. Health officials highlight that it offers high calorific value and is suitable for infants who require energy-dense complementary foods in their early growth stages.
Over 1,000 Infants Benefitted So Far
So far, “Mama’s Gift” has reached more than 1,000 children residing in relief camps spread across nine districts—including Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Jiribam, Kakching, Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi, and other violence-hit areas.
Governor Bhalla praised the community-led approach of the program, describing it as “a symbol of resilience and compassion that defines the spirit of Manipur.” He added that Raj Bhavan’s contribution was a “humble gesture to support the well-being of children and encourage continued compassion in action.”
The Governor emphasized that while large-scale government interventions are ongoing, small, community-driven projects like “Mama’s Gift” demonstrate how local participation can play a crucial role in rebuilding social trust and addressing humanitarian needs amid crisis.
Relief Camps Shelter Over 59,000 Displaced Persons
Since the outbreak of ethnic clashes in May 2023, Manipur has witnessed large-scale displacement, leading to the establishment of over 300 relief camps across both valley and hill districts. These camps currently shelter around 59,000 displaced men, women, and children, according to official data.
Conditions in many camps remain challenging, with inadequate access to healthcare, clean drinking water, and nutritious food—particularly for children and nursing mothers. In this context, “Mama’s Gift” has emerged as a timely and impactful intervention, ensuring that the youngest victims of the crisis are not forgotten.
A senior MSRLM official said, “Our goal was to create something sustainable, nutritious, and made with local resources. With support from the NHM and local women’s groups, ‘Mama’s Gift’ has become a model for community nutrition management in emergency situations.”
Women’s Empowerment Through Nutrition
Apart from addressing malnutrition, the project also empowers rural women through livelihood generation. The Lamyanbi Village Level Federation, which prepares “Mama’s Gift,” comprises women from self-help groups trained under the MSRLM. These women manage sourcing, processing, packaging, and distribution—providing them with an income source even amid the economic disruptions caused by the violence.
Experts believe that this dual-impact model—combining nutritional aid with women’s empowerment—offers a scalable template for crisis-hit regions across India. “It’s not just about feeding children; it’s about rebuilding lives and restoring dignity,” said a health expert associated with NHM Manipur.
A Vision for Expansion
Encouraged by the success of the initiative, the MSRLM plans to scale up production and extend distribution to additional camps and rural areas. Officials also hinted at possible collaboration with national nutrition programs to ensure the supplement’s wider adoption across northeastern states facing similar challenges.
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Governor Bhalla’s financial contribution will help improve production capacity, enhance quality control, and support awareness campaigns among caregivers about the importance of infant nutrition.
As Manipur continues its journey toward peace and rehabilitation, “Mama’s Gift” stands as a beacon of community strength, uniting people across divides to ensure that every child—regardless of circumstance—receives the nourishment they deserve.
