One of the ways to assess if a state is performing well is to determine how their girls are doing. Jharkhand reveals a gloomy and shocking picture – the state has the lowest ratio of teachers for each government school in India as well as ranks lowest in female literacy. In rural Jharkhand, six out of 10 girls drop out of school and become child brides. The state is among the worst in human trafficking, bonded labour and malnutrition, making it a challenging place to empower women.

Happy Ratio, an Indian health startup aims to narrow the gap by focusing on Complete Nutrition. The brand has teamed up with YUWA, a girls focused platform for social development in rural Jharkhand with a large football program to fuel their success. Thanks to YUWA,  girls in Jharkhand are beating stereotypes by using football as a means to become mentally and physically stronger. Through the #YehHaiMeriLife campaign, Happy Ratio, with the help of partners, has also committed a year’s supply, totalling over 100,000 Complete Nutrition meals to the girls at Yuwa to fuel their success. Known celebrities Manjari Fadnis, Keith Sequeira, Karan V. Grover and Rochelle Rao have come forward to support this campaign. Currently, the Indian government spends approximately 3 to 4.5 rupees per lunch in the midday meal program that it provides to millions of school children. The midday meal, which provides 450 to 700 calories, depending on a child’s age, derives most of its calories from grain-based carbohydrates. Grain, especially rice and wheat, is cheap in India because of government subsidies. Nutritious vegetables, on the other hand, are expensive. When the poor eat, if at all, they usually fill their bellies with starch. The #YehHaiMeriLife campaign is a step towards making complete nutrition easily accessible.

Harsh Batra, Founder of Happy Ratio says, “The real growth index of a country is reflected on the health of our younger generation. Currently, one-third of the world’s stunted children live in India. Complete nutrition is a crucial factor in improving this index. We hope to make a difference for a segment of the population that represent India’s tomorrow.”

Off late, India’s women athletes have been winning a lot of medals, changing India’s perception around the world. The latest is PV Sindhu who became the first Indian to win the World Championship gold in badminton. Ironically, women athletes have always had it tough. They have had to fight insurmountable odds, including their own families, to reach where they are today. Their struggles range from very basic needs like nutrition and spans to bigger systemic issues like a lack of competitive facilities they can access, poor infrastructure and limited funds. Every medal or accolade won is a testament to the resilience and determination these women have despite much support. Happy Ratio’s sincere attempt in this endeavour is to generate awareness around the importance of nutrition for athletic success. While Indian athletes have been raising the bar with each passing tournament, Happy Ratio in partnership with Yuwa, aims to fuel the next generation on the field.

National Sports Day 2019: #YehHaiMeriLife 'Blends' Nutrition And Sports To Fuel Indian Girls

Join the #YehHaiMeriLife to also contribute to their success by going to https://yuwa-india.org/donate

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2019 12:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).