A Feast for the Faint India's Global Hunger Index Ranking

Fr. Gaurav Nair Fr. Gaurav Nair
28 Oct 2024

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an annual ritual where countries are ranked, and India once again finds itself at the bottom of the feast. Of course, it's the fault of the "foreign" index. India has been ranked 105, causing government officials to roll out their old excuses.

But what does it all really mean? Does this score matter? Is it a reflection of actual conditions, or merely the result of some arbitrary formula concocted by foreign think tanks?

First, we must acknowledge that while the GHI may not be a perfect measurement tool, it still captures the essence of an ongoing crisis. Even if one argues that the GHI gets mixed up with other indices or falls short in some aspects, the brutal truth remains: we are still facing a hunger crisis.

But why should we bother about pesky details like hunger levels when our government has generously declared that poverty has decreased? Ah yes, the miracle of numbers—where millions are lifted out of poverty in reports, yet the streets remain filled with people scrambling for their next meal. It's like a magic show, except the only thing disappearing is the hope of the common man.

The government's propensity to dismiss the GHI findings as "not representative" is quite amusing. Sure, let's disregard the fact that about one-third of Indian children are stunted, which is an alarming figure that only a magician could downplay. It seems the government is quite skilled at pulling rabbits out of hats—except, unfortunately, it's always a rabbit of excuses.

The actual delights served up by our esteemed leaders are the policies designed more for show than for substance. The government's response to hunger appears to be more about brandishing schemes like "Let them eat subsidised rice" rather than tackling the root causes of malnutrition.

Indeed, the latest data suggests that while the government pats itself on the back for its efforts, the underlying issues of corruption, mismanagement, and inefficiency continue to bubble beneath the surface. According to the National Family Health Survey, child malnutrition levels are shockingly high.

Perhaps the most absurd aspect of this whole scenario is the government's constant need to play the blame game. When not blaming foreign indices, they point fingers at minorities and Dalits, all while sidestepping their own policies that have failed to address these challenges effectively.

The GHI serves as a mirror reflecting the failures of governance and policy decisions that have resulted in a grim reality for many. It's not just a number; it's a stark reminder that for every statistical improvement, our leaders claim, literally lakhs of people sleep without food every night. So, while our leaders may continue to deny, deflect, and distract, the truth remains: the GHI may be flawed, but it reveals a hunger that is all too real.

In the grand banquet of global nations, India sits at a table marked by hunger and neglect while those in power serve up excuses instead of solutions. The time for magic tricks and empty promises is over; it's time to face the harsh reality and do something about it. After all, a true feast can only be enjoyed when no one is left hungry at the table.

Recent Posts

As the majority of India's population lives in rural areas, air pollution in these areas cannot be ignored, and pollution cannot be attributed solely to traffic exhaust, factory emissions, and constru
apicture Dr Manoj Kumar Mishra
09 Jun 2025
If our democracy still holds true to its constitutional promises, the Supreme Court must intervene to undo this grave wrong. After all, the apex court has a proud legacy of standing up for the rights
apicture A. J. Philip
09 Jun 2025
The Court further ordered that Chouhan be provided with the telephone numbers of the SHO and the beat constable of the area within whose territorial jurisdiction he lives. "As and when any message or
apicture Joseph Maliakan
09 Jun 2025
Christians in India face rising harassment, especially nuns accused of conversion while travelling. The Church must address this hostility with legal support, advocacy, and awareness initiatives. True
apicture Jacob Peenikaparambil
09 Jun 2025
As a unique characteristic that reflects its harmonious coexistence of various cultures, languages, religions, and traditions across its vast geographical expanse, the country's 'unity in diversity' c
apicture Pachu Menon
09 Jun 2025
Buddhist monks protesting the Mahabodhi Temple's Brahmanisation is the story of the struggle between Buddhism's egalitarianism and Brahmanism's hierarchy, which seeks to suppress others and create pow
apicture Ram Puniyani
09 Jun 2025
In a team sport like cricket, greatness is measured not only by individual excellence but also by other factors, such as leadership, that are integral to the success of a team. Tendulkar was an absolu
apicture Mathew John
09 Jun 2025
India faces a key moment where education can either bridge opportunity gaps or deepen inequality. While institutions like IITs showcase excellence, systemic neglect leaves millions behind. Reform dema
apicture Dr John Singarayar
09 Jun 2025
Those who died, died without knowing better, because experience and time may not have revealed the truth to them. But to you who have aged and still believe, take your blindfolds off, or one day you'l
apicture Robert Clements
09 Jun 2025
Whatever may be your personal beliefs, your commitment is to protect the Constitution in all respects. And it mandates you to be just and fair to one and all—tribals, non-tribals, Christians, Muslims,
apicture A. J. Philip
02 Jun 2025