Sir — This refers to the article, “Fortification : War on malnutrition” (November 4) by Chandrakant S Pandav. India has 48.2 million children (the highest in the world) with stunted growth as a result of malnutrition as per the latest global report on childhood. Scientists say that the first 1,000 days from conception to the second birthday of a child is vital. It is during this period that the infant’s body and brain develop at a rapid pace. Thus, a mother being the sole source of nutrition for the developing embryo and fetus during pregnancy as well as being the one who breastfeeds her baby after its birth, is definitely the key to build the future of our country.
India is set to become the world’s youngest country by 2020 with 64 per cent of our population will be in the working age group. Given the West starts aging, this will offer India the most effective resources if we can make our children well fed and healthy. India should launch a First-1,000-Day- Programme for mothers and children to make healthy babies for a healthy, strong and happy country.