Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has lauded the National Health Mission (NHM) for its unique initiative of organizing ‘Saas Bahu Sammelans’ (mother-in-law and daughter-in-law gatherings), describing it as a powerful community-driven approach to promote health and well-being in society. The initiative is being implemented across various districts in Assam with the aim of strengthening awareness on women’s health, hygiene, nutrition, and child care.
Addressing a public event, CM Sarma said, “The health of a society begins at home, and women play a central role in shaping that. These Sammelans are more than just discussions—they’re platforms for knowledge sharing, breaking taboos, and empowering women at the grassroots level.”
The ‘Saas Bahu Sammelan’ campaign is part of the broader objectives under the National Health Mission to improve maternal and child health indicators. These meetings bring together women of different age groups—primarily mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law—to discuss important topics like antenatal care, immunization, family planning, menstrual hygiene, and balanced nutrition. Frontline health workers such as ASHAs and Anganwadi workers are also actively involved.
The sessions are conducted in a participatory format that includes storytelling, interactive quizzes, street plays, and demonstrations of nutritious meal preparation. According to health officials, this method has been particularly effective in breaking barriers of silence around sensitive health issues in rural and semi-urban communities.
CM Sarma noted that empowering women with knowledge leads to more informed decisions within families. “When mothers-in-law support their daughters-in-law in following medical advice, it leads to healthier pregnancies, better newborn care, and an overall improvement in the family’s well-being,” he said.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of aligning health campaigns with cultural and familial structures. “Instead of preaching from the top, this initiative respects the social dynamics within households and turns them into tools for change,” he added.
Public health experts and community leaders have welcomed the initiative, pointing out that it taps into existing family hierarchies to drive positive behavioral change. The program has already reached hundreds of villages and is expected to expand further in the coming months.
The NHM Assam’s innovative approach to public health outreach demonstrates how culturally sensitive interventions can have a meaningful impact. With support from the state leadership, ‘Saas Bahu Sammelans’ are poised to become a model for other states aiming to improve grassroots health awareness and outcomes.
