How the village of Kumarikata stood together to help a child overcome acute malnutrition

The story of Rajen Nath also underscores the importance of initiatives like BTR Development Fellowship in raising awareness among rural communities

This is the story of a five-member family from Kumarikata village, located in the Tamulpur subdivision of Baksa district in Assam. Like many households in the rural areas of the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), they face challenges due to an overdependence on agriculture, which is often disrupted by unpredictable climate conditions, lack of awareness, limited access to education, and inadequate infrastructure. However, this family’s journey also highlights how health-related adversities are affecting already challenging living conditions.

Following the death of her husband, Manoj Nath, seven months ago, Lima Nath became the central support for her family. She lives with her daughter, Rachna Nath, and two sons, Rabi and Rajen, in Kumarikata. To sustain the household, 19-year-old Rabi drives an e-rickshaw, while Lima manages a small village shop and works as a mid-day meal cook at the local school. Despite their efforts, the family encountered a serious crisis when the youngest member, Rajen, was diagnosed with Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Born severely underweight at just 900 grams on March 24, 2019, Rajen suffered from symptoms such as depleted muscle mass, fatigue, weakness, dry skin and a pale appearance.

Meanwhile, a few years ago, Transform Rural India (TRI), partnered with the Government of BTR to launch the BTR Development Fellowship, aimed at accelerating progress in the region. After learning about Rajen’s condition, Alfred Daimary, a Block Level Fellow under the initiative, visited the family with his team to understand their situation better. He recommended that Rajen be taken to the Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) for specialised care. However, his mother declined due to her job responsibilities. Despite being advised by the Medical Officer at Tamulpur Block Primary Health Centre, she remained hesitant. Alfred and the Anganwadi supervisor made repeated visits to explain the care Rajen would need and suggested practical steps that could be taken at home. These included introducing a balanced diet and using warm water baths to improve blood circulation and reduce muscle tension.

To support Rajen’s recovery, the team implemented a double Supplementary Nutrition Programme (SNP), ensured regular access to the required nutrition, and closely tracked his progress. They also reached out to the local community, urging residents to remain observant of Rajen’s condition and offer help when necessary. In this case, the support of the community played a key role, especially when families themselves are hesitant. With community encouragement, the needed change can still happen.

As a result of consistent dietary support and care, Rajen’s health gradually improved. His weight increased from 11.5 kg to 13 kg and his height rose from 97.5 cm to 101.5 cm in six months.

Rajen’s case is far from isolated. The 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI) has already raised concerns about malnutrition in India, which ranks 105th out of 127 countries and falls within the ‘serious’ category. Misconceptions, isolation from modern systems and reliance on outdated practices cannot be addressed unless there is voluntary and sustained outreach. Hence, a well-structured strategy is necessary, and the most important step is spreading awareness among villagers and tribal communities who are still unaware of the benefits of scientific health practices.