New National Initiative Targets Nutrition, Fitness and Emotional Wellbeing from Early Childhood

New Delhi/Lucknow | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a significant step toward strengthening early childhood health in India, Sesame Workshop, the global nonprofit behind Sesame Street, with support from global healthcare major Abbott, has launched a nationwide healthy habits initiative aimed at helping children and families build lifelong routines around nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and emotional well-being.


Launched on January 29, 2026, the initiative brings research-backed, play-based health education to Indian families through Hindi-language resources, ensuring accessibility, cultural relevance, and ease of understanding. The program has been adapted specifically for India, reflecting local traditions, community systems, and the everyday realities of caregivers and children.


Elmo Leads the Way in Hindi
As part of the initiative, a special family programme, “Elmo’s World: Dance Party,” premiered in Hindi on Sesame Workshop India’s YouTube channel. Featuring beloved Sesame Street characters, lively music, and interactive movement activities, the special encourages families to explore healthy behaviours together in a fun, engaging, and supportive environment—blending entertainment with education.


Grassroots Launch in Uttar Pradesh
The programme was officially launched on-ground in Lucknow by Smt. Leena Johri, Additional Chief Secretary, Women and Child Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh. The launch brought together government officials, representatives from Sesame Workshop India and Abbott India, and frontline health workers from local Anganwadi centres, underlining the importance of community-led implementation.


During the event, Anganwadi workers were provided with healthy habits resources, reinforcing their pivotal role in promoting child nutrition, physical activity, and emotional well-being at the grassroots level.


Play-Based Learning for Early Childhood
Designed with a strong focus on early years, the initiative uses beloved Sesame Street characters and play-based learning tools to make healthy habits easy to adopt. In India, the programme includes Hindi storybooks, activity books, yoga guides, calendars, flashcards, and interactive games, distributed through childcare centres, community platforms, and digital channels.


Government Emphasis on Holistic Child Development
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Leena Johri stressed the importance of addressing children’s physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing at the right stage. She highlighted that habits such as balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, structured daily routines, and positive thinking play a critical role in shaping confident and empowered citizens.

She also emphasized the need for focused interventions in remote and underserved areas, advocating play-based learning, connection with nature, and the creation of safe, nurturing environments for children. Reiterating the state government’s commitment, she underscored ongoing efforts to strengthen nutrition, health, education, and mental wellbeing programmes through coordinated action involving Anganwadi workers, ASHA workers, community systems, and social organizations.


Reaching Thousands on Ground, Millions Online
Reflecting on the initiative, Sonali Khan, Managing Director, Sesame Workshop India, said the programme is built on the belief that habits formed early have life-long impact.


She noted that the initiative is already reaching over 10,000 children and caregivers on-ground through Anganwadi centres and ASHA workers, while also connecting with millions of families digitally through YouTube and online resources. By aligning with existing government systems in Uttar Pradesh, the programme complements state efforts to strengthen nutrition, health, and early childhood development.


Addressing India’s Rising NCD Challenge
Highlighting the broader health context, Poonam Sharma, Director – Global Citizenship & Sustainability, Abbott India, pointed to the rising incidence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and obesity among children and adolescents.


She said the initiative focuses on helping families take small, practical steps toward healthier living, combining community outreach with free, research-based resources for children and caregivers.


Frontline Workers at the Heart of Change
The launch was attended by members of Sesame Workshop India, including Sanjay Kumar, Noorul Haque, Dr. Jayanti Prakash, Bhawneet Singh, and Nishant Baruah, along with Anganwadi workers. Discussions during the event highlighted the indispensable role of frontline workers in driving community-level adoption of healthy behaviours.


Through this collaborative initiative, Sesame Workshop and Abbott India aim to empower children, caregivers, and frontline workers to build lifelong physical and emotional well-being—one healthy habit at a time, marking a meaningful step toward a healthier future for India’s next generation.