Children in India

Book excerpt: This publication focuses on the situation, opportunities and challenges in providing children an optimal environment for growth and development in India. Issues like early childhood care and education, nutrition opportunities through infancy, and physical and mental health of children are explored. An attempt has also been made to shed light on emerging challenges such as child development amidst pandemics like COVID-19, the increasing influence of media in the child's development, and tackling the triple burden of malnutrition. Implementation of related policies and programs, both by governmental and non-governmental agencies, has been detailed for lessons learnt. The contributors to this edition are experienced researchers, practitioners, and academicians with extensive work in their respective areas of expertise. There is a good representation from different parts of the country which gives the reader a flavour of the regional diversity while dealing with children and their issues. The book provides a comprehensive updated reference for the scientific community. In addition, students and researchers in public health, social work, epidemiology, community medicine, public nutrition, human development, anthropology and sociology are the target audience. Stakeholders involved in policy planning, program implementation and advocacy will also benefit from this publication.