Malnutrition is a persistent problem in India which proves to be fatal many times as it puts children at a greater risk of dying from infections, increases the severity of infections and delays recovery.

Various initiatives have been introduced by the government and NGOs across India to address this issue. One such effort was made by former Air Force pilot Captain Rajesh Sharan and his wife, Shanta Sharan who founded the Diksha School in Gurugram that provides a well-balanced meal to its students right from its inception in 2008.

Diksha Provides All-Round Development

Diksha started with only 13 students and currently, the strength of the school is 410. Most of the students are children of migrant workers. The couple noticed that the children were very weak as their parents couldn’t care for them much as they had to leave early to earn their living and would return only in the evening. Most of the parents were construction workers, domestic helps and rickshaw pullers.

The couple decided that along with education, the students of their school should also be given proper nutrition.

A Well Balanced Meal

Speaking to NDTV, Principal of Diksha, Vandana Aneja said that two full-time cooks have been employed to prepare meals that have been designed in such a way that it meets the nutritional requirements of the children. The lunch comprises of legumes, sambhar, rice, kichdi and vegetables.  Funds are raised with the help of volunteers, neighbors and corporate to financially support the institution.

The school also conducts one yoga class and has a game period and physical training period every week for the overall development of the student. They are also taught about alcohol and substance abuse through workshops. The parents of children are happy and relieved that their children are getting at least one full meal in a day.

We require more people like Rajesh and Shanta Sharan who went out of their way to tackle the issue of malnutrition among children.