I have invented a holiday for the grave issue my country is facing, that is Malnutrition amongst children.
Despite India’s impressive 50% rise in GDP since 2013, the country continues to battle a heartbreaking reality — over one-third of the world’s malnourished children live in India. Among them, nearly half of the children under three years of age are underweight. This alarming situation highlights one undeniable truth: economic inequality remains one of the biggest causes of malnutrition in India.
The Harsh Reality Behind the Numbers
While malnutrition rates have shown gradual improvement, the absolute numbers remain staggering:
- 46.6 million stunted children (short for their age)
- 25.5 million wasted children (low weight for height)
- 73 million anaemic children under the age of three
India faces what experts call a “triple burden of malnutrition” — undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies. Given the country’s vast cultural and geographical diversity, the solution must be granular, community-driven, and sustained.
Why India Should Declare a National Holiday for Malnutrition Awareness
India celebrates countless festivals and national holidays — but none dedicated to raising awareness about child malnutrition, one of the most urgent public health crises.
Declaring a National Malnutrition Awareness Day would bring much-needed attention to this often-overlooked issue.
Having personally witnessed the struggles of children in Adivasi (tribal) areas, I have seen firsthand the devastating effects of malnutrition. These children — living just a few kilometers away from developed cities like Nashik, Pune, or Delhi — often go to bed hungry, their bodies weak and their futures uncertain.
It is heartbreaking to see such suffering so close to abundance.
The Bigger Problem: Lack of Awareness
What’s more painful is the lack of awareness among urban citizens. Every day, tons of perfectly edible food are wasted in restaurants and homes across Indian cities.
When I see leftover food being thrown away, I can’t help but think of those starving children. If even a fraction of that food were redirected, we could make a real difference.
A national holiday dedicated to fighting malnutrition could spark mass awareness — encouraging people to rethink waste and take small steps toward sharing and sustainability.
How We Can Celebrate This Day
The idea is simple yet powerful:
On this National Holiday, each citizen should visit a nearby slum or tribal community and distribute nutritious food.
Not sweets or junk food — but healthy, energy-rich meals that help children grow stronger. If we can turn this into a weekly habit, the ripple effect could transform lives.
Ultimately, our goal should be to help these families achieve self-sufficiency and better living conditions.
What to Distribute: Nutritious, Affordable Food Options
Our local surveys in Nashik and Pune revealed that iron and calcium deficiencies are common among children in these regions. Fortunately, the solution doesn’t require massive funding.
Some simple, affordable, and nutritious options include:
- Peanut Chikki or Rajgira Chikki (made from jaggery and amaranth) — both are rich in iron and calcium.
- Bananas, which are inexpensive, filling, and loved by children.
We regularly distribute Rajgira Chikki and bananas in these areas. It’s heartwarming to see the smiles on children’s faces — proof that even small gestures can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts: Small Steps Create Big Change
Fighting malnutrition is not just a government responsibility — it’s a national moral duty. Declaring a National Holiday for Malnutrition Awareness could ignite a movement of compassion and action across India.
If each of us dedicates just one day a week to help, we can build a healthier, stronger, and more equal India — one meal at a time.
Thank you my dear readers for stopping by
Stay Happy & keep Smiling
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