Get Active is a programme designed for school children to educate and inform them about healthy eating and active living. As Nirupam Pande, national project coordinator explains, “Get Active is all about disseminating knowledge through games and fun. All the activities are weaved around the concept of right food and balanced living.”

Recently a ‘Get Active’ orientation programme in Mumbai saw the participation of teachers and principals from across several schools in Mumbai. Many schools have already implemented the programme and many are planning to do so soon.

According to Dr Bhavana Barmi, general secretary, Swashrit society (organiser of Get Active programme), the programme consists of over 27 activities in three broad categories — Calorie In (Chart making, theatre etc), Calories Out (games) and community building(Get together of schools, carnivals etc.)

Rohit Bhatt, head master, Children’s Academy, Malad said, “When I go for rounds to check what the students have got in their tiffins, I have observed that most of the students have stopped getting junk food. The programme is working successfully. Besides, we have also put a calorie chart in the canteen to make students aware of what they are consuming.”

Hema Khedekar, supervisor, Global Lexicon school, Kandivali, where the programme will soon be implemented, said, “At a time when junk food, TV, stress is taking over children’s lives, this programme can be beneficial for students. We cannot completely ban junk food but we need to explain the students the importance of balanced living. The programme can help parents too.”