CRY – Putting Children’s Health In Focus

Time and again, I have returned from adventures life has offered me and delved deep into reality. Or reality bites, to be precise. The stories I have typed are mostly dreamy and almost every time have a happy ending because somehow,a little part of me still believes in fairytales. But, there are times when dreams come shattering down like a castle made of cards. Literally. Like the time I was told that forty four percent of our infants don’t live up to the age of five because of malnutrition and common, avoidable diseases. It’s not sad, it’s shattering, to say the least. Isn’t it kind of unbelievable for today’s day and age? How would India ever be ready to take on the world and be a superpower if we are incapable of caring for our own kids? I was wondering about those questions after having a discussion with a CRY representative and through the conversation, I came to know about this new initiative that is putting children’s health in focus and thought of spreading the word. A display of photographs focusing on the health of children, specifically highlighting the state of health and nutrition of children under 5 years in India, is being exhibited at select stations of DMRC. These photographs have been contributed by children from CRY-supported projects, esteemed photographers from India and CRY volunteers. If you wish to visit, here are the details -:

Date: 8th to 31st December, 2015

Venue: DMRC Stations- Shahdra,Kashmiri Gate, Vishwavidyalaya, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazaar, New Delhi, Rajiv Chowk, Uttam Nagar East, Janakpuri West, Anand Vihar ISBT, Mandi House and ITO.

Time: 6:00 am-10:00 pm

And that’s how I spent the better part of my Sunday. Skipping an afternoon nap, I made an attempt to brave the cold and go out. The pictures were overwhelming, to say the least and all of them narrated a story that had malnourishment and disease as the heros, and our kids succumbing to them, in one way or the other. To tell you the truth, I returned a little heartbroken. 🙁

I promise to make this #NewYear better for #children by ________________. #Resolutions #CRY pic.twitter.com/GcT3DNo5P1

— Child Rights and You (@CRYINDIA) December 23, 2015

But since my broken heart is not capable of curing disease or providing basic necessities, I decided to go a step further and explore some ways by which I can make a difference. CRY has recently launched a campaign called Get Healthy Give Healthy which is basically a way to promote health. One decides on a healthy challenge like working out, walking, saying no to junk food, cycling, meditating etc and then raise funds by sharing the cause for which you’re taking up the challenge. The funds raised by the end of the campaign go to the NGO or cause you support, and at the end of it, you come out as a healthier individual, ready to take on another challenge. It’s a win-win. And who knows what greater good can the money be put to. Saving a life, feeding a hungry child, giving education to someone who grows up to become another Kalam – the possibilities are endless.

If you’re too lazy to start your own campaign, that’s okay too. Support the one your heart resonates with and contribute generously. Your money could change an unfortunate kid’s life. Join the CRY Click Rights campaign and together we can ensure 281,045 children a healthy start to life.