On 15 August 2025, India celebrates its 78th Independence Day. As we hoist the tricolour, the nation’s pride stands tall, reflecting on the sacrifices of freedom fighters, social reformers, intellectuals and many unsung heroes who now rest beneath the soil after giving the fruit of their labour – Freedom.
Pledge to Feed for Educational Freedom
This Independence Day, as we rejoice in this freedom, let’s redeem our pledge to build a prosperous India by serving mid-day meals. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and explore their full potential. For many, this opportunity begins with a plate of food.
The Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (Mid-Day Meal Scheme) is an initiative that aims to protect children’s Right to Nutrition and Education by ensuring nutritious mid-day meals every school day. For many children from marginalised communities, this meal is the only proper food they receive in a day and the main reason they attend school. To parents who struggle to make ends meet, knowing their children receive a plateful of nourishing meals is a huge relief, encouraging them to send their children to school every day.
Proper nourishment not only fills stomachs but also helps them concentrate in classes and ultimately gives them and their families hope for a better future.
How Akshaya Patra Support for this Cause?
As an implementing partner of the central and various state governments, Akshaya Patra currently serves 2.25 million children across 16 states and 3 UTs. Through a network of centralised and decentralised kitchens, the organisation strives to reach every child, even in the remotest part of the country, because for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to be truly effective, every child must enjoy its benefits.
To enhance the nutritional value of meals, we incorporate food fortification and millets in mid-day meals. This has helped improve children’s micronutrient intake, address deficiencies and support healthier development.
Most importantly, food must not only be nutritious but also enjoyable. Akshaya Patra thoughtfully curates its menus to reflect regional tastes – rice-based meals in South India and wheat-based in the North. So, while a child in Tamil Nadu receives rice and sambar, one in Rajasthan enjoys roti and subji.
Voices of Tomorrow – The Nation’s Dreams
| “I dream of becoming a wrestler and representing India at the national level.” Bhavesh Gujjar 8th standard G.S.S.S Sundarpura Bhilwara, Rajasthan |
| “I want to become an aeronautical engineer and build advanced fighter planes for the Indian Army” Soumyaranjan Panda 7th standard Government Upper Primary School Nayagarh, Odisha |
| “I want to become a scientist. I want to invent useful items and make my country proud. I want to see India in the first position everywhere.” P Vishnu 9th standard Adavi Budugur High School Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh |
Our journey never ends as long as our vision – No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger is a reality.
Make a Difference with Your Independence Day Donation
Your occasional donations have a lasting impact. This Independence Day, be a part of India’s progress by donating towards serving mid-day meals. Through this, you not only nourish children but also pave the way for education and address social issues.
From a nation that was once long suppressed, India has now become the 4th largest economy and home to the largest youth population. However, to fully realise our nation’s potential, we must ensure every child is nourished, educated and empowered.
Feed a Child. Free a Mind. With every ₹1,500, a child receives meals for a year.
