At just sixteen, Arth, a U.S.-based student with deep Indian roots, has emerged as a beacon of youthful humanitarianism, tackling one of India’s most persistent challenges: hunger and malnutrition among children in urban slums. His initiative, Hunger to Hope, has steadily grown from a modest act of kindness into a structured program that is reshaping lives in Coolie Camp, Vasant Vihar—one of Delhi’s most densely populated and under-resourced communities.
What began as a simple intention to give back has evolved into a daily nutrition initiative, serving 40–50 children with freshly prepared, dietician-approved midday meals at one of the camps adopted by Hamari Pahchan NGO. These meals are not only wholesome but also strategically designed to combat protein and vitamin deficiencies, along with nutritional gaps that often hinder healthy growth in vulnerable children.
Beyond these daily interventions, Arth has expanded his efforts to include large-scale food and ration distribution drives. Over the past few months, he has personally spearheaded more than ten such initiatives, providing protein-rich grains, seasonal vegetables, hygiene kits, and essential supplies to families living below the poverty line. These efforts have directly benefitted more than 500 individuals, underscoring the program’s reach and reliability.
What sets Hunger to Hope apart is its consistency and accountability. Community members attest to Arth’s weekly visits—overseeing supplies, engaging with cooks, and ensuring that no child leaves school on an empty stomach. His dedication has cultivated trust and set a model of sustained engagement rather than one-off charity.
Since its inception, Hunger to Hope has mobilized over $10,000 in fundraising, financing more than 15,000 nutritious meals for underprivileged children. Looking forward, Arth envisions a women-managed community kitchen, which will not only ensure steady food provision but also generate employment and foster a sense of ownership within the community.
Education forms a vital pillar of his mission. Once every month, Arth conducts virtual nutrition and hygiene workshops via Zoom, connecting with families to emphasize the importance of balanced diets, clean water, and healthy living. These sessions—supported by visual materials and local follow-ups—have strengthened awareness among parents, ensuring that the lessons extend beyond the classroom.
Supported and actively assisted by Hamari Pahchan NGO, Arth’s initiatives have been executed seamlessly, earning admiration from community members, volunteers, and school staff. The NGO’s involvement has ensured logistical support, community engagement, and smooth coordination with local stakeholders. What truly sets this model apart is its structured approach and long-term vision. “It’s not just a one-time donation. He’s there every week, checking supplies, talking to the cooks, making sure no child goes home hungry,” says a local mentor from the NGO.
Looking ahead, with continued support from Hamari Pahchan NGO, Arth plans to scale this project across other Delhi slums, exploring strategic partnerships to enhance outreach and implement more structured nutrition programs for children and mothers.
Although raised in the United States, Arth’s connection to India has remained profound. Frequent visits to his parents’ homeland exposed him to the stark realities of hunger and poverty, leaving an indelible mark. Hunger to Hope became his way of leveraging his resources, education, and networks abroad to address urgent social challenges at home. In doing so, Arth exemplifies the transformative role of the global Indian diaspora in bridging resources across continents to foster sustainable development.
Crucially, his work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), moving beyond immediate relief toward long-term solutions. His future roadmap includes expanding the program to other slum clusters in Delhi, developing structured nutrition programs for mothers and children, and undertaking comparative research between hunger relief models in India and the U.S. to adapt and replicate best practices.
As India continues to grapple with alarmingly high child malnutrition rates, Arth’s initiative is a timely reminder that social transformation does not always begin in boardrooms or government offices—it can be ignited by the vision and determination of a single teenager. Hunger to Hope is more than a food program; it is a movement that nourishes bodies, empowers communities, and redefines what youth-led impact can achieve.
