Divya Sathyaraj, daughter of actor Sathyaraj, and an experienced nutritionist, is also the brand ambassador of Akshaya Patra, one of the world's largest mid-day meal programmes. A couple of years ago, she had written a letter to Prime Minister Modi pointing out the malpractices and negligence in medicine, and that had made news. Divya, who conducts workshops on vitamin deficiency in rural areas, had also requested the health minister of Tamil Nadu to address iron deficiency anaemia in pregnant women in the state. Excerpts from a chat with her...
You are among the well-known nutritionists in India and recently won an award for excellence in community service. How has the journey been?
I am truly honoured and happy. I was not a very intelligent student. My brother Sibi was the brain, but my parents never made me feel like an underachiever. I was hardworking and was focused on having a career. I was obsessed with health, and I decided very early that I wanted to learn more about food and its therapeutic value. I believe food is medicine and food can heal. There is an elaborate healing mechanism within the body, but it can perform its functions only when it is supplied with the right nutrition
Tell us about your research on the government hospitals in Tamil Nadu…
I strongly believe that every therapist and doctor should work to make sure that people at the bottom of the economic ladder also live a healthy life. As a therapist, I believe I should create opportunities to do so in every possible way, and started my research on government hospitals in Tamil Nadu. There is a lot of scope for improvement. Pregnant women in the lower income group are suffering from severe iron deficiency; two out of five women have iron deficiency anaemia. Hospitals should have a team of doctors to monitor their health and provide vitamin and iron supplements. Operation theatres and corridors in hospitals are not cleaned on a regular basis. Since patients have low immunity and are susceptible to infections, it is important to maintain hygiene. It was also upsetting to hear that most hospitals do not stock enough blankets and pillows and patients have to bribe staff to get them. The authorities should also make sure that there is an adequate supply of vaccines of acceptable quality for effective immunisation. Not just government hospitals, private hospitals should also function in a more efficient manner and patients should not be treated as revenue generating machines. I would also like to request pharmacies to have a system to ensure they do not stock medicines that have expired. Very few people check the expiry date before buying products. Not just medicines, we should check the expiry date of every single product we buy, including snacks, coffee, tea, etc. For people who have children at home, it is extremely important to check the expiry date before buying products. The concerned authorities should initiate a framework to improve the health sector. I believe only a healthy person can be productive.
You are the brand ambassador for Akshaya Patra, one of the largest mid-day meal programmes...
Leaders like Barack Obama have appreciated Akshaya Patra's incredible work in ending classroom hunger. No child should be unaware of where their next meal is coming from. I completely resonate with the goals of the initiative. As a nutritionist, I advise them on how to make their meals more nourishing and healthy, and I am truly privileged to be a part of the organisation.
What are your other commitments?
I am in touch with World Vision India. I am looking at working with them. Malnutrition is a significant issue in our country; I would like to work with them to improve nutritional status and the overall health and wellness of children and mothers in anganwadis.
There has been speculation about your interest in politics...
I have always been interested in reading about politics, but was never really inclined towards politics. But today, I believe, we desperately need a universal healthcare system that brings hope and healing to people in the lower income group. It is unethical to deny medical assistance to people who desperately need it. We need a healthcare system that serves all. Since I am a nutritionist, my focus has always been on health and nutrition, but there are also other issues also that need attention in our country. I have realised that one has to be in the system to improve the system and I want to be a part of the system. I will therefore, get into politics, soon.
