“Some, measure progress by what they own, others measure it by what they give. For when you take, it is never enough. But the more you give, the more you receive.” (Rashmi Bansal – God’s Own Kitchen)
We have often heard children saying, “I want to be a doctor.” or “I want to be a teacher”. But how many, at the age of 11, say, “I want to teach underprivileged children for free”? And imagine hearing that from a child who comes from a low-income background herself.
Such is the story of millions of children in India who hardly have access to one meal a day. Their dreams can change thousands of lives in turn only if we bring them back to school by nourishing their mind and body with wholesome school meals.
Here is a glimpse of some aims of our mid day meal beneficiaries that pull them back to school every day. When you donate for children’s nourishment, you also support the education and aspirations of these future achievers.
Sujita wants to become a doctor
Sujita is a girl studying in 3rd standard of CPS Primary School in Silvassa, Daman. She dreams for the betterment of others despite her unfavourable background.
Sujita’s parents left her with her grandparents and never returned. Yet, she moved on. Today, she is popular among her teachers as a girl with lots of courage and one who showers unconditional love to everyone. She dreams of being a doctor who helps people with financial difficulties for free.
Sujita admits that she couldn’t have come to school if it was not for the mid day meals. It lessens her dependence on her grandparents and gives her the energy to study as well as play.
Sneha dreams to teach and shape careers
Sneha studies in 8th standard of MP Prathamika Pathashala in Mehboobnagar, Telangana. At the age of 13, she smartly manages unending challenges at home as her father comes back drunk every day.
For Sneha, fulfilling one’s duties and responsibilities are the most important aspects of life. After learning from her circumstances, the 13-year-old wants to teach valuable lessons to children to mould them into responsible human beings of the future.
Given the situation at home, school is a getaway for Sneha where she loves to learn, work towards her goals and spend time with her peers. Additionally, Akshaya Patra’s meals are the energy boosters that keep her energized throughout the day.
Building the future
Nutrition can both make and track the development of a nation. The nutritional level of the population decides its progress in health, education, empowerment and employment.
However, in March 2021, the Ministry of Women and Child Development stated that a million children in India need to be saved from Severe Acute Malnutrition. Thus, despite multiple NGOs and the government working towards nourishment of children, the nation’s people need to come together and contribute.
One such NGO in India is The Akshaya Patra Foundation which started serving nutritious school meals in Government and Government-aided schools in 2000. This NGO is registered under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882 and has served 441 million school meals in the last 21 years. With constant support from its compassionate donors, the Foundation now feeds across 14 states and 2 union territories.
Akshaya Patra’s meals are packed with nutrients as stated by the Supreme Court of India and the Ministry of Human Resource Development. Furthermore, the food is cooked separately for primary and upper primary students to meet the specific nutritional requirements of the age groups.
The NGO’s freshly cooked meals reach 1.8 million beneficiaries from 61 kitchens every day. They give them the motivation and the stamina to not only excel in academics but also in sports and the field of arts.
When you donate online to Akshaya Patra – an NGO in India, children like Sujita and Sneha can study hard without second thoughts. Support the Foundation’s mid-day meals to offer equal opportunities to underserved children in nutrition, health, and education.
