It was a day filled with love, laughter, and new beginnings as Asha launched its Early Childhood Nutrition Programme at the Asha Centre in Mayapuri on May 26. This vital initiative focuses on nourishing children from birth to four years of age during the critical first 1,000 days of life—a window of opportunity that lays the foundation for lifelong health, brain development, and emotional well-being.
The programme was inaugurated virtually from Boston by our cherished donors, Dr. Jean and Dr. John Peteet of Friends of Asha USA, whose generous support made this dream a reality. Dr Kiran had the honour of representing them on the ground by ceremonially cutting a beautiful red ribbon on their behalf. Their presence was felt warmly despite the miles between us. Supporters from the USA and the UK also joined us online, sharing the joy of this meaningful occasion.
The celebration came alive with the presence of 20 young children, aged six months to four years, accompanied by their mothers. It was heartwarming to watch the children enjoy a nutritious and hearty meal that included porridge, boiled eggs, bananas, apples, milk, and a traditional Indian high-protein sweet—soft, round, and packed with nourishment. The children relished every bite, with most of them finishing their plates with gusto!
Laughter echoed through the centre as the little ones explored Montessori toys specially chosen to stimulate brain development, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Their mothers looked on with joy and curiosity as Dr kiran demonstrated the importance of love and affection in a child’s early years. She showed them how to hold, cuddle, and comfort their children, and spoke about the power of loving words and gentle touch in shaping a child’s emotional world.
In these early years, love is not a luxury—it is a lifeline. A mother’s touch lowers stress hormones like cortisol and increases oxytocin, the “love hormone,” promoting emotional stability, secure attachment, and even improved language development. In communities burdened by poverty, maternal affection serves as a protective shield against the toxic stress that can hinder a child’s growth and potential.
This programme is more than a nutritional intervention—it is an investment in the future of these children and their families. By combining nourishment with nurturing, we are helping to build a generation that is not only physically strong but emotionally resilient and intellectually curious.
The day ended on a sweet note with a cake-cutting ceremony, symbolising hope, love, and the beginning of a brighter future for every child in our care. We look forward to walking alongside these mothers and children as they embark on a journey of health, joy, and transformation.
