- Two and a half year old Arun has overcome malnutrition and returned to normal category due to the coordinated efforts of the Women and Child Development Department, health staff and Anganwadi team.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai, the state government’s pledge of “Malnutrition-Free Chhattisgarh” is being implemented in Bijapur district. Through the coordinated efforts of the Women and Child Development Department, the Health Department, and the District Administration, positive changes in the health of children are now being seen even in remote areas. An inspiring example of this is Arun Hemla, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy from the Anganwadi Center Kotiya Para in the Gangaluur area of Bijapur district, who, with constant care, proper nutrition, and community support, has overcome malnutrition and returned to normal.
This story is not just about a child becoming healthy, but is a living example of government schemes, departmental commitment and community participation. Arun Hemala, son of Mangu Hemala and Sharmila Hemala, was born on 21 December 2023. His weight at birth was 2.500 kg. Due to frequent illness and not being able to eat enough food at home, his weight remained low. When his condition became serious in April 2025, he was admitted to Nutrition Rehabilitation Centre, Bijapur, where at the time of admission his weight was only 8.600 kg, which was considered extremely low for his age.
After his discharge from the Nutrition Rehabilitation Center, the Women and Child Development Department team took Arun’s recovery as a mission. Under the guidance of supervisor Mrs. Usha Verma, Anganwadi worker Mrs. Mumita Sori, assistant Mrs. Sonia Majji, Mitanin Mrs. Devali Wacham, and ANM Mrs. Shobha Kiran Minj made a concerted effort. The team went door-to-door, not only monitoring the child, but also raising awareness among families about nutrition, hygiene, and a balanced diet.
During the inspection, the team found that Arun did not eat alone at home, but would sit with other children at the Anganwadi center and eat his entire meal. Following this, the parents were encouraged to send the child to the Anganwadi center regularly. The Anganwadi worker weighed the child weekly and informed the family about including four colors like cereals, pulses, vegetables, and fruits in the food plate. Hot cooked meals and ready-to-eat nutritious food were provided daily at the center. The Mitanin also explained ways to prevent diseases like diarrhea and pneumonia.
These efforts, sustained for 13 months, yielded positive results, and in May 2026, Arun’s weight increased to 10,600 kilograms. He is now within the normal range for his age. The smile on his face and the sparkle in his eyes are proof that timely and appropriate care can effectively control malnutrition.
Arun’s mother, Sharmila Hemla, says that while she was always afraid of her son’s condition, the Anganwadi and health department teams regularly visited the home, offering counseling and assisting in the child’s care. Now, Arun begs for food on his own and is more active and healthy than ever before.
Supervisor Mrs. Usha Verma said that Arun’s success proves that if Anganwadi workers, the health department, and Mitanin workers work together, and families cooperate, every child can be freed from malnutrition. She added that effective work is being continuously carried out in the district under the state government’s Nutrition Campaign and Malnutrition-Free Chhattisgarh Campaign, whose positive results are now beginning to emerge.
This success of the Bijapur District Administration and the Women and Child Development Department demonstrates that when government schemes are implemented on the ground with sensitivity and dedication, even children in remote areas can have a safe and healthy future. Arun Hemala’s story is inspiring other families today that through constant monitoring, balanced nutrition, and community participation, the dream of a healthy childhood can be realized.