Purnota Dutta Bahl is a remarkable social entrepreneur and the driving force behind Cuddles Foundation, a renowned NGO in India dedicated to addressing the critical nutritional needs of children battling cancer. Her journey is one of remarkable dedication and impact.

Wiki/Biography

Born in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, in 1980, Purnota pursued her Bachelor of Commerce at Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. She further enhanced her business acumen by completing an MBA at the Indian School of Business in Hyderabad. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for her future endeavors.

Career

Purnota’s journey as a social entrepreneur began in 2012. Prior to this, she spent eleven years in the corporate world, holding leadership positions in branding for prominent companies such as Hindustan Times and Shaadi.com. A pivotal moment came during a visit to Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, where she witnessed firsthand the struggles faced by children with cancer. She was particularly struck by the correlation between malnutrition and survival rates.

Recognizing a critical gap in care, Purnota left her corporate career. She immersed herself in learning about nutrition, consulting with doctors, and developing a comprehensive plan for a non-profit organization focused on fighting cancer through improved nutrition. She assembled a team of like-minded individuals from her corporate network, leveraging their skills to build the Cuddles Foundation.

Utilizing her marketing expertise, the team effectively advocated for the importance of nutrition in childhood cancer treatment. They worked tirelessly to secure the endorsement of the medical community and ultimately gained the support of numerous pediatric oncologists. The impact has been transformative.

Cuddles Foundation’s impact is far-reaching. It has evolved from an initial idea into a major provider of nutritional support to pediatric cancer wards in numerous government hospitals across India, including prominent institutions like Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai and AIIMS in Delhi. This commitment earned the organization the prestigious National Award for Child Welfare from the President of India in 2016. In 2018, a dedicated volunteer team developed the “FoodHeals App” to assist nutritionists in assessing a child’s nutritional status and implementing effective interventions. Purnota’s vision extends beyond India’s borders; she aims to bring Cuddles’ model to other developing nations.

Awards & Honours

Purnota’s dedication has been recognized through numerous awards:

• President’s Awards for Child Welfare (2015-16)
• Outlook Poshan Special Jury Award (2019)
• Akshaya Patra and UN Global Compact award for nutrition solutions (2018)
• Panna Dhai Award for contribution to children’s welfare (2020)

Facts/Trivia

Purnota often shares inspiring stories from her work. One example is the story of Nandu, a young boy who worked part-time while undergoing cancer treatment. Cuddles Foundation’s nutritionists provided crucial support, enabling Nandu to quit his job and focus on recovery. He is now attending school and dreams of becoming a scientist.

The foundation also enjoys significant support from prominent figures. Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor serves as a fundraiser and brand ambassador. Purnota and Emraan Hashmi appeared together on the Karamveer episode of KBC 11 (2019), sharing their experiences and raising awareness for the cause.