Food for Life Vrindavan’s Sandipani Muni Schools serve over 1,300 children from families well below the poverty line.  Many suffer from deficiency diseases such as anemia, general weakness, insufficient bone development, stunted growth and lowered immune system functionality.  In the past, these impoverished children have had no option but to live with, and sometimes die from, these diseases which are potentially preventable and curable.  Of particular concern is the high rate of anemia among adolescent girls.  A recent report by the NFHS states that "Adolescence in India goes hand in hand with iron-deficiency anemia (IDA)."  Studies suggest that 56% of adolescent girls in India and around 30% of boys are suffering from anemia.  Anemia can be prevented simply by sufficient iron intake in one’s diet.

The recent donation of Iron, Folic acid, Calcium and Ginseng by Arun and his daugther Pooja Khanna of Emcure Pharma is extremely beneficial, helping to prevent many deficiency diseases. 

On the 17^th of May 2010, we conducted a free distribution of these donated medicines at the Sandipani Muni School for students afflicted with anemia, calcium deficiency, insufficient bone formation and general weakness.  The distribution of medicines was preceded by a talk on the importance of these supplements and the benefits that are obtained by regularly taking them. This helped to create a sense of awareness and responsibility among the 1,300 students of SMS.  For those students who were too young to understand, the medicines were distributed to their parents with an explanation. The medicines were given for a period of one week and will be distributed subsequently every week.

At FFLV’s Medical Center in Kikinagla village, iron, folic acid and calcium tablets were also distributed to pregnant mothers. This helps the proper development of the child in the womb. As we already know, the infant mortality rate in India is the highest in the world. For lactating mothers it helps in production of sufficient amounts of milk for the infant and ensures the health of both mother and child.

We run a free ante natal and post natal clinic at our charitable hospital every Wednesday and Thursday of the week. These medications will also be distributed regularly on these two days of the week till stocks last. There is also a great need for vitamin supplements – especially Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin syrups for smaller children, antibiotics and other medications.

We would like to thank Arun and Pooja Khanna off Emcure Pharma for their generous contribution. We pray that they may receive the blessings of our Vrindavan children and may be inspired to continue this much needed service in the future.