‘These volumes fill a unique niche in the continuum between academic research and advocacy. They go beyond merely identifying challenges in various aspects of human development, particularly health, nutrition, and education, and instead explore potential solutions through critical reviews of what works. This makes the collection immensely valuable to both academicians and practitioners, rendering these volumes essential reading for anyone interested in public policy.’ Sonalde Desai, Professor, National Council of Applied Economic Research and University of Maryland, USA.‘Human development cannot be viewed segmentally through a reductionist lens, since the various elements are closely integrated and impact each other. Health is inseparable from nutrition, and both are influenced by education, environment and economic development. In each of these, equity is the litmus test of development serving its social purpose. These six volumes knit these varied skeins into a unified tapestry of human development. While detailing the key components of each of the main themes, the composite collection connects them to create a coherent design for accelerated and equitable people centric human development in India.’K. Srinath Reddy, Founder (Past) President, Public Health Foundation of India‘These volumes compile the results of many micro studies in the areas of health, nutrition, education and rural livelihood development. These are critical areas where India needs to improve performance to achieve the objective of Viksit Bharat. Larger funding is unavoidable but even more important is to ensure efficiency of spending and it is here that these micro studies will provide evidence-based guidance in what works and in what circumstances. The solutions will not be the same across all states and this must be built into the design of each programme at the state level. The collection is an invaluable contribution in this very important area.’Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Ex-Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of India‘This volume on Improving Nutritional Outcomes: Connecting the Dots through Grounded Action, represents an important contribution to the literature on nutrition policy for India, at a critical historical moment for the country. In seventeen chapters, written by experts from multiple disciplines, the authors connect national policies to grassroots actions in ways that can help resolve India’s long-standing “nutrition conundrum.” What can national policymakers do to improve the efforts of community groups, women’ collectives, and diverse municipalities to address persistent problems of malnutrition and exploding challenges of over nutrition? What can state governments learn from the experiences of other states in making progress on nutritional outcomes? How can women and communities mobilize themselves effectively to promote nutritional progress? These are tough questions that cut across many government agencies at all levels of the Indian polity. India needs progress on nutrition to continue its path forward in the twenty-first century. The substantial challenges of nutrition cannot be solved through slogans; they require creative thinking and effective actions to connect the dots. Luckily, this book offers many insights and concrete suggestions on how India can do this now. Michael R. Reich, Taro Takemi Professor of International Health Policy, Emeritus at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA‘Malnutrition has been described as India’s curse. But there is nothing supernatural about malnutrition, neither its causes nor its prevention. It is caused by a powerful combination of negatives: too little nutritious food, unclean water, poor sanitation, uneven health services, and a lack of childcare capacities and facilities. It can only be prevented by an equally powerful combination of positives: determined political leadership, a foundation of modest economic growth, the empowerment of women, healthy food that is accessible to all, clean water and sanitation and health care that delivers for the most vulnerable. This wonderful book shows what needs to be done. It shows which dots need to be connected, how that can be done, and who needs to step up. It points to action at all levels: national, state, district and community. It provides examples of what can be achieved when efforts are aligned across sectors, stakeholders and levels. It blends practical, lived experience with conceptual analytics, all done in a way that is refreshingly readable and relatable. If malnutrition were a curse, this book would break it.’Lawrence Haddad, Executive Director, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)‘The book offers a timely and comprehensive exploration of nutrition in the Indian context. Using a multi-sectoral lens, it weaves together case studies and real-world interventions to reveal the complex factors shaping nutritional outcomes. The emphasis on community action and evidence-based strategies is especially impactful, demonstrating how collective efforts can drive sustainable change. Written in a clear and engaging style, the book is both informative and lucid. It is a valuable resource for policymakers, academicians, and nutrition enthusiasts. A must-read for anyone committed to improving nutrition at both the individual and systemic levels.’ Preeti Sudan, Former Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India
