GROWN IN * INDIA : SPECIAL PRECIS

 

A true test of Narendra Modi's political skills [ Banyan, June 17th ] would be a successful campaign to address malnutrition in India.

Government surveys show that over a third of Indian children are not reaching their full growth potential, physically and mentally.

The stunting rate [low height for age ] for children under 5 years old was 38.4% in 2015-16 and 35.5% in 2019-21. At this slow rate of improvement India would take 40 years to catch up to China.

Dealing with malnutrition is tailor-made for a politician with Mr. Modi's gifts. It requires a focus on delivery, an ability to campaign relentlessly and the skill to create a new narrative.

The impact of the Make in India  campaign would be much stronger if accompanied by another national push : GROWN IN INDIA.

The World Students Society thanks Dr Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition [GAIN], Brighton.