Every 15th of August, I feel that same lump in my throat. The flag goes up, the anthem plays, and we remember those who fought for a free India. But every year, I also ask myself - are we really free if our people are too weak, too sick, or too undernourished to live their lives to the fullest?

In 1947, the battle was clear. Hunger was our biggest enemy. Grain shortages, famine, and poverty haunted us. Over the decades, we worked hard on food security in India - growing more, storing more, feeding more. And yes, that was a huge victory. Many call it “food for freedom,” and rightly so. But today, we face a different challenge.

We’ve moved from empty plates to plates that are full… yet still incomplete. Rice, wheat, and oil are there. But what about fresh vegetables, protein, or the vitamins that keep us strong? Too many of our children are still underweight. Too many of our adults are facing diabetes or heart disease far too young. This is why health and nutrition in India is not just a “health” topic - it’s a nation-building topic.

The Hunger We Don’t See

Ask any mother in a small village - she’ll tell you her child eats every day. But ask if that meal has vegetables or milk, and the answer often changes. On the other hand, ask a young professional in a city, and you’ll hear about skipped breakfasts, late-night takeaways, and energy drinks.

It’s a strange sight- in one part of the country, children can’t grow properly because they lack basic nutrients; in another, kids are gaining weight but missing essential vitamins. Both are signs of poor nutrition. And both mean we’re failing to give our citizens the chance to live healthy, productive lives.

Why Public Health in India Needs to Step Up

We can’t talk about nutrition without talking about healthcare. And here’s the truth: public health in India is still focused more on treating illness than preventing it. That’s like trying to mop a floor while the tap is still running.

Imagine if every community clinic also checked children for anaemia, gave dietary advice to families, and taught parents how to make cheap, nutritious meals from local foods. Imagine schools that had cooking lessons alongside maths and science. Imagine workplaces that offered healthy lunches instead of just samosas and chai.

Strengthening public health in India in this way isn’t just about compassion - it’s about common sense. A healthier population is more productive, learns better, and spends less on medical bills.

The Poverty-Nutrition Trap

Poor health leads to low income, and low income leads to poor health. It’s a loop many families can’t escape. If a child grows up stunted or often sick, their schooling suffers. Later, their job opportunities are limited, and the cycle repeats.

We can break it. Support women farmers. Encourage kitchen gardens in rural homes. Give local entrepreneurs micro-loans to start selling affordable, healthy food in their communities. These aren’t just welfare measures - they’re investments in our future.

Urban India’s Unhealthy Freedom

If rural India struggles with undernutrition, urban India struggles with overnutrition. I see it every day - crowded gyms full of people trying to undo years of fast food and sedentary work. Yet the problem isn’t just about exercise; it’s about the food environment we’ve built.

We’ve made it easier to find a burger than a banana. Kids grow up thinking chips are a normal snack and sugary drinks are a daily habit. This has to change. Cities need more fresh markets, better food labelling, and healthier options in school canteens.

Food Education Is Just Education

Nutrition isn’t something you “learn later” when you fall sick. It’s something we should teach in school - not as a boring lecture, but through hands-on lessons. Let kids plant vegetables, cook simple dishes, and taste different local grains. Show them that good food doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy.

Our grandparents knew this. They ate millets, dal, seasonal veggies, fermented pickles, and fresh curd - not because they were “superfoods” but because they were what grew around them. Somewhere along the way, we lost that wisdom to convenience and marketing.

Tech and Tradition, Hand in Hand

We don’t have to choose between old knowledge and modern tools. Apps can help people track what they eat, connect farmers directly to buyers, or send simple nutrition tips to mothers’ phones. At the same time, we can revive traditional recipes that are rich in nutrients but easy on the pocket.

Technology should make it easier for people to eat well, not just sell them the latest diet trend.

Independence That Reaches the Dinner Table

Political freedom gave us the right to make our own choices. Now, it’s time to choose health. A country cannot be truly independent if its people are too malnourished to learn, too ill to work, or too tired to dream.

Health and nutrition in India should be a national mission, not just a government program. It’s something we can all be part of - whether we’re policymakers, farmers, teachers, parents, or simply someone deciding what to put in their shopping basket.

Closing Thoughts

We once fought for freedom from foreign rule. Now, our fight is for freedom from poor health, preventable disease, and nutritional neglect. Health and nutrition in India hold the key to our next great leap forward. When every Indian - from the smallest village to the busiest city - can live a strong, healthy life, we will have achieved something greater than survival. We will have earned healthy independence.

At The United Indian, we believe true freedom means more than independence-it means a healthier, stronger nation built on good nutrition and well-being for all. And that will be the sweetest victory of all.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

1.Why is health and nutrition in India important for true independence?

Because freedom isn’t just about sovereignty-it’s about giving citizens the health, strength, and opportunities to live fulfilling lives without preventable illnesses or malnutrition.

2. How is food security in India different from good nutrition?

Food security means having enough to eat; good nutrition means getting the right balance of nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and strong.

3. What role does public health in India play in improving nutrition?

Public health connects healthcare and nutrition, ensuring communities receive both medical care and the knowledge to make healthier food choices.

4. What are common nutrition challenges in urban and rural India?

Rural areas face undernutrition and lack of dietary diversity, while urban areas often struggle with obesity, diabetes, and processed food dependency.

5. How can individuals contribute to better health and nutrition in India?

By making informed food choices, supporting local farmers, avoiding excessive processed foods, and spreading awareness about balanced diets in their communities.