‘First 1000 steps’ march gains support

Konkana Sen Sharma flags off The Times of India and Nestlé initiative

There has been a profound change in Konkana Sen Sharma's life since she became a mother about a year back. Obviously, now her life revolves around little Haroon, but most importantly she has got educated about the mother and child's nutrition and diet plan. No wonder the dusky actress decided to participate in the campaign aiming to highlight the importance of nutrition during the critical window of 1000 days — from the time of conception till the baby is two-years-old. 

    The 'first 1000 days' — a joint initiative of The Times of India and Nestlé kicked off on March 21, and further, on March 24, many Mumbaikars joined hands to participate in the march. Konkana — the face of the campaign — flagged off the march on Saturday (March 24) morning from the NCPA to the Air India building at Nariman Point. Other celebrities who extended their support included, Member of Parliament Priya Dutt, filmmaker Amole Gupte, actors Tara Sharma 

and Parvin Dabas, and Minister for Health and Family Welfare Suresh Shetty. 

    "Earlier I had no idea nor was I interested, but now I am concerned if Haroon has had curd, is he having enough milk, chicken? Now I know how long-reaching the effects of nutrition are in the first two years of a child's life which is why I thought it was a great cause and was happy to participate in this initiative," said Konkana. 

    The malnutrition issue will soon be taken up to the national level, assured Priya Dutt. "Awareness is a must. Not only the rural areas, a huge percentage of children living in urban centres are also malnourished. A recent UNICEF report says that 60 per cent of the one lakh children living in the slums in urban areas lack essential nutrients which is alarming," said Priya. "Realisation seems to have dawned on people. It is not just idle talk. The issue will certainly go down to the grassroot level. We have to see to it that nutrition begins with the mother and ends with the child," summed up filmmaker Amole Gupte.

Konkana Sen Sharma flags off the 'first 1000 steps' march. Others who were present: (left to right) Minister for Health and Family Welfare Suresh Shetty, MP Priya Dutt, actors Tara Sharma and Parvin Dabas, and filmmaker Amole Gupte

'First 1000 steps' march gains support

Konkana Sen Sharma flags off The Times of India and Nestlé initiative

Seema Sinha 

There has been a profound change in Konkana Sen Sharma's life since she became a mother about a year back. Obviously, now her life revolves around little Haroon, but most importantly she has got educated about the mother and child's nutrition and diet plan. No wonder the dusky actress decided to participate in the campaign aiming to highlight the importance of nutrition during the critical window of 1000 days — from the time of conception till the baby is two-years-old. 

    The 'first 1000 days' — a joint initiative of The Times of India and Nestlé kicked off on March 21, and further, on March 24, many Mumbaikars joined hands to participate in the march. Konkana — the face of the campaign — flagged off the march on Saturday (March 24) morning from the NCPA to the Air India building at Nariman Point. Other celebrities who extended their support included, Member of Parliament Priya Dutt, filmmaker Amole Gupte, actors Tara Sharma 

and Parvin Dabas, and Minister for Health and Family Welfare Suresh Shetty. 

    "Earlier I had no idea nor was I interested, but now I am concerned if Haroon has had curd, is he having enough milk, chicken? Now I know how long-reaching the effects of nutrition are in the first two years of a child's life which is why I thought it was a great cause and was happy to participate in this initiative," said Konkana. 

    The malnutrition issue will soon be taken up to the national level, assured Priya Dutt. "Awareness is a must. Not only the rural areas, a huge percentage of children living in urban centres are also malnourished. A recent UNICEF report says that 60 per cent of the one lakh children living in the slums in urban areas lack essential nutrients which is alarming," said Priya. "Realisation seems to have dawned on people. It is not just idle talk. The issue will certainly go down to the grassroot level. We have to see to it that nutrition begins with the mother and ends with the child," summed up filmmaker Amole Gupte.

Konkana Sen Sharma flags off the 'first 1000 steps' march. Others who were present: (left to right) Minister for Health and Family Welfare Suresh Shetty, MP Priya Dutt, actors Tara Sharma and Parvin Dabas, and filmmaker Amole Gupte