10 May,2026 03:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PiyushGoyal X
Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday distributed specially designed "Maternal Nutrition Kits" in Matrushakti Poshan Abhiyan in North Mumbai, marking Mother's Day with a focus on maternal and child welfare.
The initiative not only aims to support pregnant women in their final stages of pregnancy but also ensure essential care and first hand requirements for newborn babies during the early days of life.
Speaking at the Matru Shakti Nutrition Campaign in Malad, Goyal said the kits have been carefully prepared to meet nutritional and essential requirements of expectant mothers and infants. "These kits have been thoughtfully curated to address every essential requirement for mothers and sisters during the final stages of pregnancy. It also takes into account the necessities for the newborn during their initial days, thereby ensuring the good health of both the mother and the child," he said.
He emphasised that ensuring the health of mothers directly contributes to the well-being of India's future, calling it vital for the country's long-term development.
"A healthy child born to a healthy mother will be the next generation. This is the future of India and India's future is going to be the future of the world," he added.
On a broader perspective behind this initiative, the Union Minister said the distribution of these kits would be expanded across North Mumbai on a monthly basis, with a special focus on supporting women from lower-middle-income households.
"These kits will be distributed on a monthly basis to ensure the continued well-being of both the mother and the child. This initiative is currently being implemented across the entire North Mumbai region," he said.
Goyal also highlighted various government initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi which are aimed at improving women's health, education and empowerment, including access to clean water, sanitation facilities, education support and hygiene measures.
"By providing tap water to every household, our sisters no longer have to carry heavy loads of water from wells or rivers on their heads. To ensure that every girl receives a good education, scholarships must be provided, and every facility must be made available. A good toilet should also be built in schools and colleges so that sisters do not face any difficulties," Goyal said.
He said such efforts are helping women become more self-reliant, 'Atmanirbhar' and actively contribute to the country's growth.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister praised the growing participation of women across different sectors, saying they are playing a key role in India's journey towards becoming a developed nation.
"In the journey of making India a Viksit Bharat, the contribution of our women is the most important. Generation after generation, they have contributed to preserving India's heritage and cultural legacy," he said.
He also underlined that women have historically contributed to preserving the country's cultural and social heritage and continue to be central to its progress.
"Our mothers and sisters are making rapid strides in every field; embodying the divine forms of Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Durga, they will not spare anyone who attempts to commit any wrongdoing," he said.
