Nagpur, October 18, 2025 | The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Nagpur, through its Community Outreach Club Ummeed, has launched “Yukti – Nutrition Nirmaan: Building a Healthier India”, a national-level case competition aimed at addressing India’s malnutrition challenge through innovative, actionable ideas from students across the country.

Organized in collaboration with UNICEF, the Public Health Department of Maharashtra, the National Health Mission (NHM) – Maharashtra, and the Nutrition Bureau, Nagpur, the initiative brings together institutional expertise and youth-driven innovation to develop real-world solutions that can strengthen India’s nutritional landscape.

Dr. Bhimaraya Metri, Director of IIM Nagpur, said that Yukti underscores the institute’s focus on aligning management education with national development priorities. He noted that addressing nutrition and public health challenges requires innovative thinking and socially conscious leadership. “At IIM Nagpur, we believe that management education must go beyond classrooms to address issues that shape society. Nutrition is the foundation of human capital, and a healthy population is key to economic and social progress. Through Yukti, we seek to engage young minds in developing implementable ideas that contribute to a healthier and more resilient India,” Dr. Metri said.

The competition invites participants to propose strategic interventions promoting balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits, especially among children and young adults. Students are encouraged to develop creative, scalable approaches ranging from awareness campaigns and community-driven interventions to sustainable nutrition models that can contribute to long-term public health outcomes.

Hosted on the Unstop platform, the competition is open for registration from October 16 to October 31, 2025. All participating teams submitting entries in the first round will receive certificates of participation.

By combining experiential learning with social innovation, Yukti reinforces IIM Nagpur’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3). Through this initiative, IIM Nagpur and its partners reaffirm their shared vision of advancing a Swasth Bharat a Healthy India built on awareness, collaboration, and sustainable change.

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The partnership, formalized through a Statement of Intent (SOI), will focus on building disaster-resilient communities and empowering local governments to implement climate solutions. Key initiatives will include the development of real-time monitoring systems, early warning mechanisms, and advisory services to mitigate climate risks such as droughts, floods and heatwaves.

Mr. Srinivas Bonam – Head – Inclusive Banking Group, CSR & Sustainability, IndusInd Bank, said “At IndusInd Bank, our commitment remains unwavered in uplifting the economy, society, and the environment equally. We recognize that our role goes beyond traditional banking, and partnering with organizations like UNICEF is both an honour and a responsibility. Together, we aim to create solutions that benefit vulnerable communities and promote long-term development. We believe this program and collaboration would drive meaningful change and empower individuals to build a sustainable future. Our dedication to noble causes is not just a part of our mission; it is the essence of who we are and will continue to guide our efforts as we strive to make a lasting, positive impact in the world.”

Mr. Arjan de Wagt- Deputy Representative Programmes, UNICEF India said “UNICEF’s partnership with IndusInd Bank, aims to enhance climate induced disaster resilience among rural communities. By collaborating with panchayats and other stakeholders, we will together focus on building disaster-resilient communities and support local governments to implement climate solutions towards a more sustainable future for children.”

This partnership will involve various stakeholders to enhance climate resilience in IndusInd Bank Limited intervened Aspirational Districts. IndusInd Bank in partnership with UNICEF will work to promote a model of district level risk informed disaster risk reduction programming. The CSR Trust for SDGs in India (CTSI) will oversee the overall program, IIT Gandhinagar will develop a sophisticated monitoring and early warning system, the Gorakhpur Environment Action Group will focus on capacity building and training for local officials, and Mission Samriddhi will foster stakeholder engagement, integrate diverse perspectives, and promote knowledge sharing.

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The workshop was inaugurated by Shri Praveen Kumar, Director General & CEO, IICA, who highlighted the importance of ESG as a strategic tool for businesses to create value and mitigate risks. He quoted business case studies wherein effective ESG strategy and reporting have contributed to enhanced reputation and overall-performance of the businesses. On a concluding note, he urged the professionals  to endeavour to transform their businesses or organisations into  responsible entities by aiding  effective integration of ESG factors  into their business operations, over and above mandatory compliance.

The workshop featured five technical sessions by eminent experts from academia, industry and civil society, who covered various aspects of BRSR and ESG such as interpreting the ‘S’ of ESG by Mr. Dinesh Agrawal, applying family friendly policies in business by Mr. Shubrajyoti Bhowmik, understanding the interlinkages among ESG-BRSR-NGRBC by Prof. Garima Dadhich, measuring carbon footprints of businesses and disclosing them in BRSR by Dr. Sidhant Pai, effectively reporting occupational health and safety factors in BRSR by Mr. Dheeraj and exploring the global and national reporting landscape by Dr. Inderjeet Singh. The sessions were interactive and engaging, with case studies, Q&A and group discussions. The participants also got an opportunity to network with each other and share their experiences and challenges.

The workshop concluded with a learning recap and way forward session by Prof. Garima Dadhich, Associate Professor & Head, SoBE, IICA, who summarised the key takeaways from the workshop and suggested some action points for the participants to apply their learnings in their respective organizations.

The workshop was attended by over 70 above participants from various domain experts like, sustainability professionals, ESG professionals, CSR and top leaders. The feedback from the participants was positive and encouraging. They appreciated the quality and relevance of the content, the expertise and delivery of the speakers, and the overall organisation and management of the workshop.

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~ Celebrating Breastfeeding Week with a ‘Kangaroo Mother Care Workshop’ and ‘Breastfeeding Workshop’ in Kolkata~

Kolkata, 2nd August 2023: Celebrating ‘Breastfeeding Week,’ Medica Group of Hospitals, the leading private hospital chain in Eastern India, became the first private hospital in Eastern India to join hands with UNICEF for a special event to empower working mothers. On the 2nd and 3rd of August 2023, they are organizing a highly informative ‘Kangaroo Mother Care Workshop’ followed by an insightful ‘Breastfeeding Workshop’. On the 2nd of August, the distinguished attendees included Dr. Nicola Judith Flynn, MD, Head of Department – Paediatrics and Neonatology at Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata, along with Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Co-founder & Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, and Mr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Co-founder, and Jt. Managing Director of Medica Hospitals. The workshops on 2^nd August, were conducted by eminent Kangaroo Care Master Trainers, Sr. Parul Datta, senior nursing professional and paediatric and neonatal nursing faculty; formerly senior sister tutor, department of Neonatology at Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (IPGMER) and Seth Sukhlal Karnani Memorial (SSKM) Hospital Kolkata, West Bengal; Prof. Asim Mallick, Professor and In charge of the Neonatal Unit at NRS Medical College; and Dr. Bijan Saha, Associate Professor at IPGMER and SSKM Hospital, Kolkata. Dr. Vandana P Bhatia, the health officer of West Bengal from UNICEF was present for the event.  

In 1992, WABA (World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action) launched Breastfeeding awareness to raise public support for breastfeeding due to declining rates and increased infant mortality. World Breastfeeding Week is now a collaborative effort by WHO, UNICEF & WABA. The 2023 theme is “ENABLING Breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents”- highlighting challenges faced by working mothers.

At Medica Superspecialty Hospital in Kolkata, the Department of Paediatrics prioritizes breastfeeding mothers. They have a dedicated nursing area with comfortable seating, providing automatic and manual breast pumps, bottle warmers, and sterile bottles. The hospital maintains a monitored refrigerator for storing breastmilk, and lactating employees are encouraged to take breaks to express milk.

In West Bengal, UNICEF has taken a leading role in promoting breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care through close collaboration with State government health facilities. This marks a significant milestone for UNICEF as it extends its expertise and support to the Department of Paediatrics at Medica, the first private hospital to receive such assistance. Together, they will provide training and certification to nurses and doctors not only from Medica but also from other metropolitan hospitals.

Dr. Nicola Judith Flynn, MD, Head of Department – Paediatrics, and Neonatology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata shared, “Breastfeeding is not only a vital tool to end preventable deaths but also a catalyst for economic and social prosperity. We must reiterate and emphasize the significance of early breastfeeding within an hour of birth, exclusive nursing for six months, and sustained breastfeeding up to two years of age, we can eliminate 20,000 maternal deaths and 823,000 infant deaths annually. To support working breastfeeding mothers, a global mindset shift is essential. The challenges they face at work are numerous, but with awareness, education, and understanding, we can empower them to overcome these obstacles. Proper handling and preservation of breast milk are crucial to addressing the shortage faced by working women. Let us unite as stakeholders, prioritizing the mother and child, and coordinating efforts to provide continuity of care over the critical first 1000 days. Together, in our homes and workplaces, we can ensure a brighter future for today’s babies by supporting and empowering breastfeeding mothers.”

Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Co-founder & Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals stated, “Working alongside UNICEF for the first time to empower and certify our dedicated nurses and doctors has been a truly gratifying experience. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Vandana P Bhatia, UNICEF Health Officer West Bengal, whose unwavering support made this endeavor possible. I also extend my deepest gratitude to the exceptional trainers who generously contributed their time to this workshop. As we look forward to the future, we aspire to continue organizing such impactful events that strengthen healthcare and leave a lasting positive impact on our communities.”

Mr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Co-founder, and Jt. Managing Director of Medica Hospitals, also shared, “We at Medica Hospitals are wholeheartedly dedicated to the well-being of our patients, and it brings us immense pride to join hands with UNICEF as their partner for this vital initiative. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for our organization, reaffirming our commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of countless mothers and babies. Through this alliance, we embrace the opportunity to embark on a new journey—a journey of education, empowerment, and support for mothers, enabling them to embrace the beauty of breastfeeding and grant their babies the best possible start in life.”

About Medica Group of Hospitals:    

Medica Group of Hospitals, one of the major chains of hospitals in Eastern India today, has built and managed numerous healthcare facilities across the Eastern region over the past few years. The group has footprints in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam.

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An estimated 392,078 babies were born around the world on New Year’s Day, according to UNICEF. Of this, an estimated 67,385 babies were born in India, the most globally. China comes in second with 46,299 births.
The beginning of a new year and a new decade is an opportunity to reflect on our hopes and aspirations not only for our future, but the future of those who will come after us, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said.

As the calendar flips each January, we are reminded of all the possibility and potential of each child embarking on her or his life’s journeyif they are just given that chance.

Fiji in the Pacific most likely delivered 2020’s first baby, while the US, the last of the New Year’s Day. Globally, over half of these births were estimated to have taken place in eight countries — India (67,385), China (46,299), Nigeria (26,039), Pakistan (16,787), Indonesia (13,020), United States of America (10,452), Democratic Republic of Congo (10,247) and Ethiopia (8,493).

Each January, UNICEF celebrates babies born on New Year’s Day, an auspicious day for child birth around the world, it said. However, for millions of newborns around the world, the day of their birth is far less auspicious.

In 2018, 2.5 million newborns died in just their first month of life; about a third of them on the first day of life. Among those children, most died from preventable causes such as premature birth, complications during delivery, and infections like sepsis. In addition, more than 2.5 million babies are born dead each year.

UNICEF said over the past three decades, the world has seen remarkable progress in child survival, cutting the number of children worldwide who die before their fifth birthday by more than half. But there has been slower progress for newborns. Babies dying in the first month accounted for 47 per cent of all deaths among children under five in 2018, up from 40 per cent in 1990.

UNICEF’s Every Child Alive campaign calls for immediate investment in health workers with the right training, who are equipped with the right medicines to ensure every mother and newborn is cared for by a safe pair of hands to prevent and treat complications during pregnancy, delivery and birth.

Too many mothers and newborns are not being cared for by a trained and equipped midwife or nurse, and the results are devastating, said Fore. We can ensure that millions of babies survive their first day and live into this decade and beyond if every one of them is born into a safe pair of hands.

India is projected to surpass China as the world’s most populous country around 2027. According to UN estimates, India is expected to add nearly 273 million people between 2019 and 2050, while the population of Nigeria is projected to grow by 200 million. Together, these two countries could account for 23 per cent of the global population increase to 2050.

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