Hunger in Plain Sight: India’s Struggle Behind the Glamour

On October 10, 2024, the Global Hunger Index (GHI) revealed a troubling reality: India ranks 105th, highlighting a stark contrast between the glamorous image of a “shining India” and the harsh realities faced by millions. This ranking is more than just a number—it’s a wake-up call! Here’s a snapshot of the situation: Population and Poverty:

• 1.45 billion: India’s total population in 2024.
• 83 million: People living below the poverty line, struggling on less than $2.15 a day.
• 163 million: Individuals facing multidimensional poverty, lacking basic health, education, and living conditions.

Living Conditions:

• 1.8 million: Indians are homeless.
• Nearly 100 million: Reside in slums, often in inhumane conditions.
• 15% of the population—about 210 million—lack access to basic sanitation facilities, including toilets.

Economic Disparities:

• $689.5 billion: India’s foreign reserves, which have not effectively tackled rampant inequality.
• $689.5 billion: India’s foreign reserves, which have not effectively tackled rampant inequality.
• $74.3 billion: Allocated to the defense budget for FY 2024-25, making up 15% of total government spending.
• Only 5.5% of GDP is spent on infrastructure and welfare, which fails to address deep-rooted poverty.

Child Malnutrition:

• 6.7 million children are classified as zero-food, representing nearly half of all such children globally.
• Malnutrition rates among Indian kids rival those in countries like Guinea, Benin, and Liberia.
• 19.3% of India’s population has gone without food for 24 hours, compared to just 0.1% in countries like Costa Rica.

Discrimination and Inequality: Minority communities, particularly Muslims and Dalits, face systemic discrimination and disproportionately high hunger rates. This crisis highlights inequalities exacerbated under the Modi-led BJP regime, with 10.4% of the study population identified as zero-food children.

Moreover, while the government champions tech-driven agricultural initiatives, data suggests it often prioritizes food exports over addressing domestic hunger, reflecting an economic approach that favors profit over people.

Cultural Distraction The vibrant image projected by India’s Bollywood industry often overshadows pressing issues like hunger and malnutrition. Bollywood plays a significant role in shaping India’s global narrative, presenting a fa?ade of prosperity that diverts attention from human rights concerns and economic disparities. The disparity between cinematic portrayals of empowered women and the realities they face—violence, hunger, and inequality—further illustrates the gap between perception and reality.

Regional Context In South Asia, the situation is even more complex. Pakistan is grappling with food shortages driven by inflation, natural disasters, and years of instability stemming from the war on terror. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s situation is even bleaker, as years of war and economic instability contribute to rising levels of undernourishment among its population.

While Pakistan and Afghanistan contend with their own systemic issues, India's challenges—marked by pervasive poverty and inequality despite its global ambitions—reveal a different narrative.

India’s GHI ranking and hunger crisis starkly contrast the nation’s glamorous image with the harsh truths faced by millions. If India is truly shining, why are so many of its citizens struggling to meet basic nutritional needs? The disconnect between the government’s narrative of progress and the stark reality of hunger and poverty is alarming.

Ignoring these issues won’t make them disappear. It’s time for real conversations and real change. India must confront the widespread hunger and poverty that still plague its population. To genuinely earn the title of a developed nation, bridging the gap between its narrative and the lived experiences of millions is essential. Let’s advocate for a future where no one has to go to bed hungry.