When most of us are fast asleep in the wee hours of the morning, there are few places bustling with energy. Each day at the strike of 4 a.m., different groups of people at different locations prepped up with safety and hygiene gears enter into huge kitchen infrastructures. Why? To prepare ‘meals of hope’ for children studying in government schools! And, so we call them the ‘Humans of Akshaya Patra.’
Meet some of our passionate members from Jaipur kitchen in Rajasthan for whom the only aim is to benefit more and more children with freshly cooked, nutritious, and hygienic meals on every school day.
Mukesh Chopdar, Pre-processing Helper (Production Department)
Since when have you been working in Akshaya Patra?
I have been working in Akshaya Patra since November 2009.
Why did you choose to join Akshaya Patra?
I chose to join Akshaya Patra because it was an opportunity for me to work for a good cause.
What was life like before you joined Akshaya Patra?
Prior to joining Akshaya Patra, I was leading an ordinary life with no real goal.
Describe your typical day as a pre-processing helper.
As a Pre-processing Helper, I am responsible for all the washing, cleaning, and cutting of vegetables along with ensuring that all the cutting equipment are properly cleaned and sanitised before and after use.
Why do you think thorough cleaning of raw materials is an important aspect of cooking meals?
Raw materials, be it grains or vegetables are generally not clean and hygienic when procured from the market. So, it is very important to ensure that all raw materials are cleaned thoroughly before being cooked. Since, we provide meals to children, it is our duty to make sure that the food we serve them is absolutely clean and hygienic. And, hygiene begins right from the pre-processing stage.
How has your experience been so far?
So far, my journey with Akshaya Patra has been good.
What makes working with Akshaya Patra special?
At the end of the day, I feel mentally satisfied that through Akshaya Patra I am able to provide food to so many children. This food is helping children with their education something that every parent wishes for their children.
Om Prakash Sharma, Route Supervisor
Since when have you been working in Akshaya Patra?
I have been working in Akshaya Patra since November 2011.
What was life like before you joined Akshaya Patra?
Prior to joining Akshaya Patra, my life was good, but I must admit that life has become much better after joining the organisation.
What does your work encompass?
As a Route Supervisor, I have to check the vehicle condition as per the standard checklist, accompany the driver and helper in the meal delivery vehicle. I have to keep a record of food delivery time, vessel count, and ERP entry. I am also responsible to collect feedback from schools and inform the kitchen manager on a daily basis. I am the communication link between the school and the kitchen.
Why do you think there should be a constant communication between Akshaya Patra and schools?
Regular communication between Akshaya Patra and schools is necessary to maintain the quality of the programme. A good communication instils trust and confidence between the schools and the kitchen.
How do you address issues put forward to you?
After coming back to the kitchen, we review the feedback provided by schools. This is done on a daily basis under the guidance of the kitchen manager, so that, if any issue has been put forth by a school, it gets addressed in a timely manner.
How has your life changed after joining Akshaya Patra?
I am in a better position to provide for my family and that gives me a sense of satisfaction. Now, I am a more confident and happy person.
What makes working with Akshaya Patra special?
Akshaya Patra provides various trainings to hone our skills. We get a chance to learn and be aware of many new things related to our profession. This gives me the confidence to carry out my work more efficiently.
Well, behind every great show, there are behind-the-scenes contributors. And, at Akshaya Patra, those contributors are our very own kitchen staff. Watch out this space to meet our passionate members from Vrindavan, Uttar Pradesh!
We would love to hear from you, so please use the below comment section to share your thoughts and feedbacks.
Loved reading the comments, I am looking for a job in Akshaypatra. I live in jagatpura Jaipur I would love to work as a kitchen manager or quality manager
Thank you for showing interest to work for Akshaya Patra. You can send your resume to hr.helpdesk@akshayapatra.org and respective person will contact you if any opportunities are there.