IAS Mahendra Bahadur Singh was surprised to look at the statistics of malnourished children. In order to find a solution, he made a public appeal and came up with the concept of Poshan Potli. Today, almost 85 percent of children have come out of the malnourished category.
Lakhimpur Kheri: A huge percentage of poor children suffer from malnutrition. The financial condition of Nirmala’s household was unfortunate and expenses for her infant grandchild could not be borne. Her daughter-in-law had given birth to a child who was severely malnourished. Even the doctors expressed doubts about the child’s survival. However, when the child started receiving nutritious food through Poshan Potli (nutrition bundle), he made a remarkable recovery in just 4 months.
Numerous children in the district were grappling with malnutrition. when IAS Mahendra Bahadur Singh learned about this alarming statistic, he was left astonished.
Concept of Poshan Potli
IAS Mahendra Singh devised a plan and appealed to the general public to consider adopting such malnourished children. He believed that other families would be able to provide these children with a better life. The impact was such that 700 people from across the district stepped forward and expressed their willingness to adopt malnourished children.
A food kit for these children was designed that cost around Rs 500. It is called ‘Poshan Potli’ and the expenses are covered by the parents who adopt the kids. The nutrition kit includes peanuts (1 kg), gram or sattu (1 kg), jaggery (1 kg), soybean (1 kg) and soaps. Vitamin syrups and medicines are also included in the kit.
The numbers
Significant improvements in health of malnourished children were observed who received Poshan Potli. Positive effects are normally observed after 6 months. Currently, among 1081 children who were previously malnourished, 85 percent have successfully overcome malnutrition. The improved health of these children has brought immense relief to their parents as well.
The stories
Ratipal is a resident of Mainha village in the Phulbehad Vikaskhand. He works in the milk business. About a year ago, a malnourished child was born in their family. However, after being adopted by others, the child began receiving Poshan Potli. Ratipal’s wife shares that she had taken utmost care of her health during pregnancy but despite that, the child was born malnourished. Fortunately, after around 5 months, the child recovered and gained good health.
Mohammad Tasavvur, a private school teacher residing in Maksoha village, faced a significant health challenge when his twin children were born around 8 months ago. Sadly, both children were born malnourished. However, these children were adopted by someone, and within 5 to 6 months, they made a remarkable recovery from malnutrition. This heartening transformation has brought a smile in the parents’ lives.
Amit Kumar Shukla who is a teacher, adopted a malnourished child, Sonika, from Safipur. He bought the Poshan Potlis at his own expense. With much dedication, he cared for the baby, and she successfully overcame malnutrition.
IAS Mahendra’s efforts
DM Mahendra Bahadur Singh shares that after his public appeal, 700 malnourished children were adopted. The impact of this initiative was nothing short of a miracle. Within 6 months, positive effects became noticeable. Solely with his dedication, 85 percent of children came out of the malnourished category.
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