Rajkot: Gopal Snacks Limited, one of India’s leading players in the organised traditional snacks segment, has committed 100 per cent of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget to the Mantraushadhi Suvarnaprashan Movement, a preventive healthcare initiative focused on improving immunity among children. The company, associated with the movement as a donor since May 2023, currently allocates approximately ₹1.5 crore annually to the programme. The initiative today benefits over seven lakh children every month across India.
According to the organisation, children receiving three to seven doses of Mantraushadhi Suvarnaprashan have shown noticeable improvement in immunity. Several cases involving recurring illnesses and complex health conditions have also reported positive outcomes following the intervention. The ancient practice of Suvarnaprashan—rooted in classical Ayurvedic texts—had gradually declined over time. It was revived through extensive research by Shri Vishwanath Datarji of Varanasi, who dedicated over 38 years to studying Ayurvedic scriptures and restoring the original formulation and method. He formally initiated the Mantraushadhi Suvarnaprashan Movement in 1970 as a free service.
Now in its 55th year, the movement operates through more than 850 centres nationwide, supported by 1,600+ volunteers, and aligns with the objectives of preventive healthcare and the Fit India Movement.
Commenting on the initiative, Bipin Hadvani, Founder of Gopal Snacks, said, “Healthy children are the foundation of a strong nation. After witnessing the impact of Mantraushadhi Suvarnaprashan, we felt a moral responsibility to support it wholeheartedly. Allocating our entire CSR budget to this initiative reflects our belief that social responsibility must create lasting value, not just visibility.”
He added that CSR funds generated through the efforts of employees are being invested in strengthening India’s future through preventive child healthcare. The formulation, prepared by Sanskruti Arya Gurukulum, is based on Ayurvedic texts such as the Kashyap Sanhita and includes Pure Gold Bhasma, Honey, Vacha, Brahmi, Shankhpushpi, and other selected herbs, administered alongside prescribed Vedic chants. It is intended to enhance immunity, support digestion, and promote overall physical and mental well-being in children.
In recognition of his contribution to child health, Shri Vishwanath Datarji was conferred the President’s Award on 24 March 1990 by the then President of India, R. Venkataraman—marking a historic acknowledgement of one of post-independence India’s earliest large-scale child health movements. Through this initiative, Gopal Snacks aims to create long-term social impact by addressing child health at a systemic level, while encouraging other corporates and institutions to support preventive healthcare initiatives.