Malnutrition: the state of Children and Women in India

Malnutrition the state of Children and Women in India

Healthy children equal a healthy tomorrow. However, it is highly disturbing when it comes to thinking of India’s future. It is because of the grave issue of malnutrition that our overall economic growth is at stake.Well, let us first acquaint ourselves with what exactly is “Malnutrition.”

Malnutrition refers to a situation when a person’s diet does not provide sufficient nutrients for growth and maintenance. This terminology includes both undernourishment and over nourishment or we could simply associate the term to be ‘unbalanced nutrition’. However, we limit our study to only undernourishment. It is a common phenomenon among women folk and young children. Their body remains stunted and they become vulnerable to many health disorders. Such people have very low life expectancy or these people suffer miserably, surrounded by a flow of deadly diseases.

So we see that malnutrition is one of the major challenges the Indian economy is facing today. It not only poses a hindrance to economic growth but also limits the country to realize its full potential. It is really sad to know that while on one hand, the economy is growing (India is now a 2 trillion dollar economy) and income levels are rising , on the other hand, the issue of malnutrition among children and women is persistent and is expected to rise in the economy in the future.  With nearly 200 million people undernourished, India is at the top list of the most malnourished economy of the world. But what exactly are the root causes for this phenomenon?

Poverty is one of the major reasons for malnourishment in India. People fall short of enough finances to feed their family and they end up with their growth stunted. One of the key reasons is education and lack of awareness among the women folk. Women ensure the proper nourishment of their children but they themselves lack basic knowledge on feeding up their children which is the gravity of the scenario. Now, let me draw your attention towards another cause-Gender inequality. Yes, gender inequality too leads to malnourishment among women and children. As we all are familiar that our society is patriarchal or male-dominated where women always get a lower status in the society. They are denied basic necessities of health facilities and sanitation which are extremely important as women are carriers of a new generation and play a key role in survival of mankind on earth. But quite unfortunately, women in India do not get the required education skills, so end up being undernourished. This makes them physically incapable to give births to new ones and if they do, their bodies become weaker. They fail to provide proper nutrition to their young ones and so this vicious cycle of persisting malnutrition continues.

Hence, I conclude that there is a grave need for this issue to gain due attention and necessary steps been undertaken for the continued existence of mankind and economic growth in its true sense!

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19 Comments. Leave new

  • Chandni Ahuja
    August 2, 2015 5:39 pm

    good article

    Reply
  • Sovan Pattnaik
    August 2, 2015 6:28 pm

    good1

    Reply
  • Shubhangi Bhatia
    August 2, 2015 8:23 pm

    Malnutrition has been a growing concern in India for a long time now. I feel education and empowerment are the best solutions.

    Reply
  • Harshita Kain
    August 2, 2015 9:09 pm

    Completely agree with you on this and for a holistic development involves India feeding its poor.

    Reply
  • Dipesh Srestha
    August 2, 2015 9:25 pm

    a drastic turnabout is required and fast

    Reply
  • Akansha Saini
    August 2, 2015 10:28 pm

    Very well written!

    Reply
  • Abhishek Khapre
    August 2, 2015 10:31 pm

    problem well defined!

    and this may increase as the resources like land, water are depleting especially in India.

    Reply
  • The day these things will be realized and measures will be taken is the day everyone is waiting for. Very nicely written.

    Reply
  • Akanksha Babbar
    August 2, 2015 11:54 pm

    Completely agree with you on this. A real policy change is required is required on he part of government to help the poor.

    Reply
  • Vinita Jhawar
    August 3, 2015 12:29 am

    This is the reality today. Some serious steps need to be undertaken.. Not only on the government’s part,but we as individuals must also do something towards it

    Reply
  • Totally agree! this issue need serious attention and government should make serious efforts for this! nice work 🙂

    Reply
  • Devika Arora
    August 3, 2015 8:27 pm

    Agreed completely,
    This is a very grave issue that needs to top the priority list of the government officials.
    Not only them, but we too, at some micro level, must contribute to the eradication of this evil.

    Reply
  • Srishti Kumar
    August 3, 2015 8:48 pm

    one of the many problems plaguing our society. Articles like this go a long way in sensitising the people. Well written 🙂

    Reply
  • Looking into the problem of malnutrition of the country is the need of an hour. We as individuals need to take steps against it considering it as our responsibility to work for the society rather than just blaming the government for everything

    Reply
  • Ojasvi Goswami
    August 4, 2015 2:00 pm

    Well elaborated.

    Reply
  • a very important issue highlighted.. well done!

    Reply
  • Pretty intriguing.. Good job!

    Reply
  • Ankita Rijhsinghani
    September 27, 2015 10:28 pm

    Looking into the problem it does not ends to proper education facilities , and proper resources to reach the poor but also with the change in attitude and ideology among them which has been going on for so long.
    If this ideology is taken away from them then only then can understand the value of proper education, health n sanitation, basic clothing etc.

    Reply
  • Surabhi Bokadia
    October 15, 2015 12:25 pm

    Harsh reality!

    Reply

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