Research reveals that caste discrimination plays a significant role in the alarming child stunting rates in India, where 35% of children under five are affected. Despite lower rates in higher-ranked caste groups, marginalized communities, particularly Dalits and adivasis, face increased malnutrition. This disparity highlights the intertwining of social identity and health, with profound implications for children’s development during their first 1,000 days of life. The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions that address the deep-rooted inequalities within India’s caste system to improve child nutrition and health outcomes.