- Positive outcomes from a 12-month special ‘Health Action Research Project’: Issue of children fainting during morning assemblies completely resolved
- Combination of nutrition and a regular exercise regimen boosts students’ strength and stamina
Adani Vidya Mandir, Sarguja—operated by the Adani Foundation, the CSR arm of Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RRVUNL)—has achieved a remarkable milestone in overcoming physical weakness caused by malnutrition and improving the health of rural students. The school successfully concluded a year-long special health action research project, addressing protein and micronutrient deficiencies in 600 rural students through a balanced diet and regular physical activities. This initiative reached students from 14 villages in the Sarguja district and has emerged as an effective model for child healthcare.
During the 2024-25 academic session, the school faced a serious challenge. On average, 15 to 20 students complained of extreme weakness and dizziness during the morning assembly every day. Medical examinations revealed that most students were underweight. Additionally, symptoms such as lethargy, low energy levels, and a lack of stamina were observed.
A study conducted by the school identified the root cause as a diet high in carbohydrates but lacking in essential proteins, amino acids, and micronutrients. Local social and cultural factors also played a role; dairy farming is not widely practiced in the Sarguja region, and the community predominantly follows a vegetarian lifestyle.
Taking these circumstances into account, the school devised a holistic plan for nutrition and physical development that respected local traditions. Based on the advice of dietitians, a nutrition model was developed to provide essential nutrients without altering traditional dietary habits.
Alongside this, the school implemented a mandatory exercise regimen for students following the morning assembly. The week was divided into two segments: three days dedicated to upper-body exercises and three days to lower-body exercises. This disciplined fitness routine led to significant improvements in the students’ muscle strength, endurance, and overall physical capability.
Under the nutrition protocol, every student was provided with a nutritious, chocolate-flavored, malt-based drink mixed with 100 ml of milk daily. High-quality plant-based proteins—such as soybeans, moong dal (split green gram), and chana (chickpeas)—were incorporated into the mid-day meal. Additionally, students received two seasonal fruits daily and wheat porridge with vegetables twice a week. To ensure a balanced diet, the meals avoided excessive oil, extra salt, and pro-inflammatory foods.
After adhering to this plan for 12 consecutive months, a marked improvement in the students’ health was observed. Students no longer experience dizziness during morning assemblies. There has been an improvement in the students’ average weight, and they now exhibit greater energy, agility, self-confidence, and physical activity compared to before.
Speaking on the occasion, the school management stated:
“This positive transformation was made possible by integrating balanced nutrition and regular exercise while remaining mindful of local conditions. Our goal was to foster healthy and capable children, and these results reinforce our belief in that direction.”
They further added that this initiative at Adani Vidya Mandir, Sarguja, reflects the Adani Foundation’s commitment to the region’s holistic development, health promotion, and a better future for the next generation. This effort demonstrates that nutrition and fitness programs tailored to local traditions can serve as a foundation for the healthy development of children, even in rural areas.
About Adani Vidya Mandir, Sarguja
Operated under the aegis of the Adani Foundation, Adani Vidya Mandir (AVM) provides free, high-quality education to students from more than fourteen surrounding villages. Students at the school are also provided with free transportation, uniforms, textbooks, and nutritious meals. AVM aims to provide equal opportunities to first-generation learners and empower them for a bright future.
