On Tackling Malnutrition, Water Shortage: My Lessons From Grassroots Intervention

Despite these many years of independence, the problem of hunger and malnutrition still exists and is a multifaceted problem. Overpopulation is certainly a factor, but it is far from the only factor. Corruption plays a significant role in allocating money and resources that can effectively solve these problems. Even with available funds, disorganisation and mismanagement can hinder success. Moreover, malnutrition is often caused by carelessness and lack of information rather than lack of resources.

Stakeholders like Anganwadi workers, Group Nurses (ANMs) and Community Health Workers (ASHAs) are essential in implementing the grassroots policy. However, their ability and willingness to play the role differ. The effectiveness of these stakeholders depends largely on training, motivation, support and resources. The truth is that while cities shine with growth and prosperity, rural areas are often neglected. This inequality reflects a sense of freedom that changing the law will not necessarily translate into true self-sufficiency or equality for all citizens.

Through the SBI Youth for India Fellowship, I sought answers to these questions by working directly in rural areas. My experience in the Talukaprapda in the Valsad district of Gujarat shows the challenges and solutions. Here I work with 11 Angawadis to find solutions to the high cost of malnutrition and seasonal rainfall. Although the government is making efforts through the Integrated Child Development Program (ICDS), many challenges remain in achieving its goals. My project aimed to maximise the benefits of ICDS without overburdening Anganwadi workers.

Key interventions included:

• Distributed 20 boxes of toys among 11 Anganwadis
• Anganwadi repairs worth 2 lakh INR arranged by sensitizing the Gram panchayat.
• Ornamentation of the Hati phaliya Anganwadi carried out with the help of the College of Engineering Pune students.
• Lectures delivered on topics like Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) training, Nutritional education to schools, Anganwadi workers and parents.
• Development of curriculum, and cognitive development test for helping Anganwadi workers.
• Helped recovery of four children affected by wasting and one child affected by stunting through nutritional intervention of 3 months in the Chaushala Anganwadi

My fellowship journey was challenging but rewarding. Overcoming hardships like inadequate infrastructure, language barriers, and isolation, I learned the importance of community engagement and persistence. Small but measurable steps, such as addressing grievances and following up with authorities, proved effective.

In addition to Anganwadi interventions, I implemented a novel water harvesting system in Narvad, Kaprada, designed with my father. Despite heavy rainfall, Kaprada faces a severe water crisis due to reservoirs drying up in the summer. The system we developed is a cost-effective and efficient solution, providing water for two more months post-monsoon. 

Following its success, we began manufacturing the technology. After further refining it, I have started 'Waste Naught Innovations,' with my family’s support to market this technology and other social innovations in waste heat recovery for food preservation, storage, and waste management.

This experience has shown that while policy decisions are made at the top, their implementation can often become distorted as they filter down to the grassroots. Effective change requires understanding the local ecosystem, engaging with the community, and making incremental but meaningful interventions. 

This article is in collaboration with SBI Foundation Youth For India. Views expressed by the author are their own.