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From Being A Malnourished Child To Becoming A Clinical Nutritionist

From being starved for days to not being allowed to leave the house to attend school, I grew up malnourished and deprived. At the age of 18, I braved to leave my home and live independently. After working part-time jobs for a year, I decided to study Nutrition.

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Gayatri Dave
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Gayatri Dave

From being a malnourished child to becoming a clinical nutritionist and now bagging the title MS Queen of World India 2023-24, and representing India on the global platform I have come a long way. There's a special reason why I chose the field of Nutrition. My mother suffered from multiple mental disorders, which for a long time affected my childhood. From being starved for days to not being allowed to leave the house to go to school, I grew up malnourished. At the age of 18, I braved to leave my home and live independently. After working part-time jobs for a year, I decided to follow my passion and enrolled in an internationally certified course to study Nutrition. My painful experiences left deep scars, but they also ignited within me a fierce determination to rise above adversity and create a better future for myself and others.

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Why Comebacks Are Always Stronger Than Setbacks

Despite encountering doubts and scepticism from those around me, I refused to let go of my dreams. With unwavering resolve, I took a leap of faith and ventured into the world of entrepreneurship at the age of 23, opening my own clinic to help others lead healthier, happier lives. During this successful phase of my career, I got married to the love of my life. Unfortunately, things didn't unravel the way we expected and we parted ways amicably. During this phase, I suffered from depression and anxiety as life was throwing challenges one after the other mercilessly.

However, after a year, I made sure that my comeback was stronger than my setback. Since the world was getting digitalized, I decided to set up a virtual clinic. From having my own mobile application to building a website, I was ready to cater to my modern clients. With 10 years behind me, I have catered to clients across Mumbai and other cities. 

It really breaks my heart to see someone being deprived of nutrition and education. With the wisdom of age and trauma, I chose to turn my pain into passion. For three years I have been volunteering and contributing to food and education of kids at a foundation. I also take the time to personally visit the centre and teach kids subjects like grammar and vocabulary.

Trying to extend my reach, I joined hands with Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit that provides shelter and education to street kids with five centres across Mumbai. Recently, I organised a Sports day for kids aged 5-15, to teach them the spirit of sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle. The smiles on the faces of these children today are the true trophies. It was a day filled with laughter, sportsmanship, and the sheer joy of being kids. Every child deserves such moments of happiness."

Despite my international pageant commitments, I am and shall always remain a dedicated advocate for children's health and education. Like I always say and believe, 'I don't wait for someone else to bring me flowers, I plant my own garden and decorate my soul."

Malnourishment Nutritionist Gayatri Dave
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