In a nation of over 1.2 billion people, nearly 80 million Indians, or roughly 6.7% of the population, live below the poverty line. These individuals survive on less than Rs. 32 per day, struggling to meet even their most basic needs. According to a UNICEF report, 8.8 lakh children under the age of five lost their lives to starvation in 2018 alone — a tragic reflection of a crisis that continues in silence. Every night, more than 20 crore Indians go to bed hungry, and every single day, over 7,000 people in India die due to hunger. On an annual scale, around 25 lakh Indians lose their lives because of food insecurity and malnutrition.

Poverty is not limited to hunger alone. It also exposes people to extreme weather without protection. Reports indicate that hundreds to thousands of people die every year from cold-related causes. In Delhi, for instance, an NGO reported 474 deaths in just 56 days during the last winter due to lack of shelter and warm clothing — a number documented by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Poverty is not just a statistic — it is a lived reality for millions. It deprives people of their dignity, their health, and sometimes even their right to live. Discussing poverty is the first step toward acknowledging its depth and working collectively toward solutions. Remaining silent only allows the suffering to continue unnoticed. If we want a just, humane, and equitable society, we must talk about poverty — because awareness breeds action, and action saves lives.

To fight against poverty, Astitva Foundation has taken proactive steps through its dedicated "Poverty" campaign. We have organized multiple clothes donation drives and food distribution drives over the past few months, reaching out to those most in need. Through these efforts, we have directly impacted the lives of over 3,000 individuals, providing them with warmth, nourishment, and a sense of dignity. Each drive is a step toward our larger vision — a society where no one sleeps hungry or shivers in the cold. Our mission is not just to give, but to build awareness, inspire empathy, and spark a movement of collective action against poverty.