Hence, as a host, a warm welcome to all of you, especially to children. I feel very happy when I see children at my residence.

It is indeed a matter of deep concern that a large number of children in India — according to one estimate, 46% — suffer from malnutrition. In chronic cases due to poverty, it results in high rates of death and disease. A third of Indian babies are low birth weight, less than 2.5 kg, which leads to many complications later in life.  

Most cases of deaths due to hunger and malnutrition are in tribal areas. For instance, I was deeply distressed when, two years ago while on a yatra in Maharashtra, I heard of malnutrition-induced deaths of infants in the tribal populated areas of Thane district, which is a next-door neighbour of Mumbai, the country’s financial capital.

But what is equally a matter of concern is that malnutrition is not just due to poverty but also due to dietary habits. In India, income patterns are improving but malnutrition is not improving at the same rate.

Overweight, obesity, diabetes, heart ailments — all these are due to wrong lifestyles, especially in urban areas. Unsafe food and excessive eating, combined with lack of physical activity, is taking a huge toll on our society.

Which is why, I am happy that an attempt has been made through this national essay contest to create awareness among children about nutrition. Lessons learnt well during childhood keep you fit and healthy throughout your life.

Children are the best learners. Children can also be the best carriers of information and knowledge. So they can also create awareness among grown-ups.

- An excerpt from the speech at the presentation of awards to winners in a National Essay Contest for 2008 Campaign for Children's awareness on Nutritionin New Delhi on 31st August 2008