Sometimes what a legal appeal can’t do, a viral video on social media can. Well, that is what recently happened in Kerala, when a 4-years-old-boy named Shanku shared a sweet, straightforward, heartfelt plea on social media that got the ears of the whole state, and even the government officials. It is an epitome of how powerful content on social media is, and of how a viral appeal by Shanku resulted in a healthier, more diverse menu being served to thousands of Anganwadi children in Kerala.
Shanku (whose official name is Trijal S Sundhar) is a small boy in Kerala and, similar to other children, he goes to his nearby Anganwadi, a government-operated centre, which offers basic education, nutrition, and health services to children below the age of six years. It so happened that one day Shanku made an innocent complaint about the monotonous food at his Anganwadi, which was captured on camera by his mother while he was eating egg biryani at home. In the video, he requested a change in the menu saying that instead of upma there should be biriyani, as he got bored of having the same food daily.
His mother, Aswathy Ashok, who recorded the video and posted on instagram said that, "Shanku doesn't like upma and his favourite food is porridge and black-eyed pea. Upma was being served in the anganwadi daily and he developed a hatred towards it.” She also said that the video wasn’t a deliberate one but shot and posted just for fun without any expectation of it going viral on the platform.
The most interesting thing about this was the innocent face that Shanku made and how he spoke on behalf of soooo many other kids that felt the same but would never say it aloud. His video has become viral on social media, thousands of people shared and agreed with his request.
Veena George, the Minister for Women and Child Development in Kerala, responded to the viral video of Shanku instantly. She did not brush it aside but realized the need to listen to the voices of children. The department quickly looked at the Anganwadi food menu and decided to change it in a way that would help all children and not only Shanku.
In a few days, the state government has declared a revised ‘model food menu’. The new menu announced at the state-level inauguration of Anganwadis’ Praveshanolsavam in Pathanamthitta is more diverse, healthy, and tasty, which will ensure that children enjoy their meals and are well nourished. Though the staple foods such as rice, pulses and vegetables are still there, the menu has:
- Additional seasonal vegetables and fruits
- Breakfast diversity.
- Addition of local and child friendly meals
- Improved meal rotation to prevent boredom
- Egg biryani and pulav
The modifications have been made considering the suggestions of nutritionists so that the food can be both delicious and nutritious. The government further undertaken to continue reviewing the menu; depending on children and parental feedback.
Anganwadi means much more than a learning and playing place to many children in Kerala, as it is their source of daily nutrition. Having a dull menu that is repetitive may cause the children to lose interest in food thus becoming poorly nourished. With the variety, the government expects to:
- Enhance the diet of children
- Turn mealtimes into fun
- Promote higher attendance at Anganwadis
This move is also a reminder that sometimes, children’s feedback can be the most honest and valuable. And also, listening to them is good sometimes because the children will know best what they want to eat, right?
Shanku’s biryani video is an inspiring instagram viral video example of how even the smallest voices can bring about big changes. It shows that children should be heard, and that they should be part of the decision making process that affects their day to day lives. The fast and favourable reaction of the Kerala government is an excellent example to be followed by other states and departments.
When you ever think that your voice is not important, think of Shanku. His modest request did not only transform the food that he ate but it also provided thousands of children in Kerala with better food. Isn’t it intriguing to know how simple it can be to put forward a humble request and the people in authority listen to it.
Social media is indeed becoming powerful day after day; let’s use its power correctly and change our country for good.
