Ash in the Belly

Ash in the Belly is a penetrating account of men women and children living with hunger illuminated by their courage in trying to cope and survive. It is simultaneously an investigation into the political economy of hunger whereby one in every two children is malnourished despite the creation of wealth and economic growth. Mander critically examines the increasing economic inequalities the range of state failures and public indifference in general and brings out how they have contributed to creating this grim situation. While doing so he argues passionately for the passage of a universal right to food law which guarantees food to all persons not as state benevolence but as a legal entitlement. Compelling and insightful this book reminds us that the right to food with dignity is indeed the right to life. About the Author Harsh Mander formerly IAS now social worker and writer was a member of the National Advisory Council and special commissioner to the Supreme Court of India in the Right to Food case. He is Director Centre for Equity Studies in New Delhi.