The Centre for Child and Law (CCL), NLSIU successfully conducted its Certificate Course on Understanding and Advancing Food and Nutrition Security from 15–17 April 2026 at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar School of Economics University.

The programme brought together 24 participants across India from civil society organizations (CSOs), lawyers, academicians, and researchers, creating a vibrant space for learning, dialogue, and collaboration on one of the most pressing social justice issues of our time.

The Course was launched with an induction session by Dr. Neetu Sharma, who introduced participants to the vision of the course and the urgent need to strongly engage with food and nutrition rights.

A defining moment of the programme was the keynote address by Prof. Babu Mathew, Visiting Professor – NLSIU who located food security within larger questions of economic justice. He underlined three essential pillars: Minimum Support Price (MSP) to protect farmers, Minimum Wages to secure purchasing power, and a robust Public Distribution System (PDS) to guarantee access to food. He also reflected on the significance of PL-480 and India’s transition towards self-reliance.

Session details

Day One laid a strong conceptual foundation through insightful sessions by Dr. Tara on adequate nutrition across the life cycle, key concepts and definitions for understanding right to food and nutrition.

Day Two was a major highlight with Dr. Veena, Former Director of National Institute of Nutrition, leading insightful sessions that connected science, policy, and everyday realities. She examined child growth standards, the critical importance of nutrition in the first five years, maternal health, and the long-term consequences of undernutrition. Her emphasis on protein quality, micronutrients, and diverse diets encouraged participants to think beyond calories and more towards meaningful nutrition security.

Ms.Jyotsna, Director of Public Policy – Legalexcel Attorneys, further deepened the discussions through sessions on the Rights-Based Approach, the PANTHER Principles, and international frameworks influencing food systems. The sessions sparked thoughtful conversations and meaningful exchanges among attendees.

Day Three brought the focus to India’s policy landscape. Dr. Swati Narayan, Assistant Professor – NLSIU traced the journey of food security policies and the Right to Food movement, including the National Food Security Act, 2013. Sessions by Akshaya P, Research Assistant – CCL, NLSIU highlighted contemporary data on food insecurity and the impact of caste, gender, age, and disability on access to nutrition.

The discussions across all the sessions encouraged participants to view nutrition not merely as welfare but as a matter of entitlement, dignity, equality and justice. The program concluded on a positive note, equipping participants with a deeper understanding, renewed commitment, and practical insights to promote sustainable food systems.

Read more about the Centre for the Child and the Law here.

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