Celebrate for a Cause

Ugadi, often referred to as Yugadi, marks the beginning of a new year as per the Hindu lunisolar calendar. It is primarily celebrated in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Telangana. Ugadi symbolises a fresh start and spreads happiness among people.

Preparations begin a week in advance. People buy new clothes and clean their homes. On the day of the festival, mango leaves are used to decorate the entrance of the home and water mixed with cow dung is sprinkled around the home. People start their day with an oil bath and prayers. Also, family members get together and relish a wide variety of special delicacies such as the Puran Poli/Holige/Obbattu and Ugadi Pachadi.

Ugadi holds a special place in people’s hearts as they look forward to ushering in the new year with happiness and prosperity. You can make it more special with your kindness and brighten the lives of those in need. You can share happiness by donating for a cause and begin this new year on a note of goodwill.

You can donate to The Akshaya Patra Foundation and strengthen our efforts to support children’s education and nutrition.

Why Akshaya Patra?
To meet the nutritional needs of underprivileged children, Akshaya Patra has been serving them wholesome mid-day meals in its capacity as the implementing partner of the Government’s PM Poshan Abhiyaan (previously known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme). These meals act as an incentive for children to come to school every day and focus on their academics and co-curricular activities.

Currently, we feed 2 million children every school day in 15 states and 2 union territories across India, thereby ensuring they have an access to ‘unlimited food for education’. With steadfast support from our kind donors, we aim to address classroom hunger.

This Ugadi, your generosity can brighten the lives of these children. Be a change-maker by serving wholesome meals with Akshaya Patra.

Celebrate the festive day by supporting children’s nutrition, education and dreams. Donate to Akshaya Patra and ensure that every child is well-fed and educated.

Avail 50% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act on every donation you make.

What could be more enjoyable than watching a child’s eyes glitter and light up with unexpected joy when they get hot and nutritious mid-day meals every school day? These meals not only provide the required nutrition for their growing years but also act as an incentive for them to stay enrolled in school which in turn decreases absenteeism and the dropout rate. This encourages children to pursue their education and gives them a better chance to work towards their dreams.
Nourishing and educating children can have multifold impact!

• 14% reduction on child marriage
• Contribute to overall economic growth
• Increase in empowerment
• Increase in knowledge equals reversed climate change
• An educated tomorrow will encourage education of their next generation

This Republic Day, let’s pledge to nourish and nurture young minds for a beautiful and bright tomorrow. While you help them with Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meals, you gain tax exemption under Section 80G too.

Let us look into the stories of a few beneficiaries of The Akshaya Patra Foundation – an NGO in India that serves hot and healthy mid-day meals to Government school children across 14 states and 2 UTs.

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Support Akshaya Patra to feed Government school students and empower their dreams. Donate for children.

Make a Difference this Republic Day!

In India—a land of festivals—the first festival of the year to be celebrated across the country is Makar Sankranti. We know it as the ‘festival of harvest, thus celebrated more elaborately in villages than in the cities.

Makar Sankranti is celebrated in January every year. It marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new harvest season. In most parts of India, it is dedicated to the Sun God, who enters the zodiac sign of Makar, the Sanskrit word for Capricorn. This is why the festival is called Makar Sankranti.

From the day of Makar Sankranti, the Sun begins its journey towards the northern hemisphere from the Southern Hemisphere. During this period, days are longer and nights are shorter. Thus, the festival is also widely known as Uttarayan.

Why we celebrate Makar Sankranti

Sankranti is also a name for a goddess who, in some legends, killed a demon named Sankarasura on the festival day. The next day is called Kinkranti—named after the demon Kinkarasura that the Goddess slew on that day.

In some other legends, Surya Dev or the Sun God visits his son Shani, the planet Saturn on Sankranti. Also, King Bhagirath liberated his ancestors after bringing the River Ganga to the Earth on this day.

It is also believed that Bhishma from the epic of Mahabharata—who had the boon of self-willed death—left the Earth during this time. In some other stories, Lord Vishnu buried the demons under Mandara Hill on this day.

In Haryana and Punjab, Lohri is celebrated one day before Makar Sankranti. While in Uttar Pradesh, it is regarded as the ‘festival of donation’, which continues throughout the month at the conjunction of the divine rivers—Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. In Gujarat, people organise a grand kite festival on Sankranti.

The festival is also fondly celebrated in the southern parts of India. In Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated as Pongal for four days. In Karnataka, ‘ellu’ and ‘bella’, meaning a mixture of sesame seeds and jaggery, is prepared, distributed and eaten with great relish. While in Andhra Pradesh, people decorate their houses with flowers and rejoice with their families during the festival.

Thus, Makar Sankranti is observed in diverse ways in different parts of India. People make Rangolis, conduct competitions for all age groups, and decorate and worship animals like cows and bulls. Family members unite over elaborate festive meals and reminisce about good memories while making new ones on this joyous occasion.

Celebrate Makar Sankranti with Akshaya Patra

Unfortunately, millions of people in India live deprived of necessities, even during festivals.
The World Bank reports that about half of the total number of extremely underprivileged individuals in the world live in just five countries in Africa and Asia. And the 2022 Global Hunger Index indicates that India suffers a level of hunger that is serious!

But you can make an impact on this Makar Sankranti!
Why not make a real difference in the lives of people from low socioeconomic backgrounds by donating online to The Akshaya Patra Foundation? Your contribution on this special occasion will empower them with nourishing meals every day of the year!

We, at The Akshaya Patra Foundation are an internationally recognised 22-year-old NGO serving unlimited meals for education of socio-economically deprived children of Government and Government-aided schools, working in tandem with the Central Government’s initiative of PM Poshan Abhiyaan. We feed the children so that they attend school regularly and strive for better lifestyles for their families without hurdles.

We are grateful to donors like you because of whom we nourish 20,10,516 (2 million) children from 65 kitchens across 14 states and 2 union territories in India today!

As our Foundation continued to receive support globally, we introduced more programmes to elevate more communities who need aid. We launched programmes for mothers without families, pregnant women, nursing mothers and many others who hail from marginalised communities.

Programmes you can support this Makar Sankranti

PM Poshan Abhiyaan: We began by feeding 1,500 children in five Government schools of Karnataka to support the Indian Government’s Mid-Day Meal Programme. After 20 years of running it successfully, the Government introduced its revamped model called the PM Poshan Abhiyaan on 29 September 2021, while adding features to enhance its effectiveness.

Under the new model, the scheme also:

• Feeds the children of pre-primary school or Bal Vatika.
• Appoints experts to monitor the nutrition, haemoglobin levels, BMI and weight of school children.
• Provides supplementary nutrition for anaemic children.
• Trains children to grow food with nutritional gardens.
• Promotes women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) by procuring locally grown raw materials.
• Calls college and university students to examine and ensure ground-level execution.
• Encourages local communities to feed children during festivals.

According to The National Education Policy 2020 research, it was discovered that the morning hours can be more productive for studying cognitively more demanding subjects after a nutritious breakfast. So, we started serving breakfast along with mid-day meals in some schools last year to improve the nutrition levels of children and incentivise them further to attend school regularly with higher concentration and interest.

Last year in August, we also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nutrihub, the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) to introduce millets and improve the nutritional content of school meals. The decision was based on the finding that millets are five times more nourishing than rice and wheat. They will help children further as they are easily digestible, strengthen the nervous system, nourish the muscular system, protect against lifestyle diseases and cancer risks, reduce cholesterol and improve energy levels.

So, mark this Makar Sankranti by donating to feed the children in Government and Government-aided schools. Help us launch new initiatives for them and expand their reach so that no child in India is deprived of education because of hunger.

Anganwadi Feeding Programme: The first six years of a child’s life are crucial for the complete development of their vital organs. It builds the foundation for their future growth and learning. Your support towards the Anganwadi Feeding Programme will prevent deaths of children below five years of age while also nourishing their mothers.

We have served 1,61,53,556 meals in Anganwadi centres so far. Make 2023 special with your donation this Makar Sankranti to feed the children and their mothers.

Homeless Mothers Feeding Programme: Around 10% of the female population is homeless without husbands and families. Fortunately, we have care centres in India to protect and nurture these women. These are Government-run facilities that provide necessities and workshops free of cost to upskill and empower them.

Currently, we serve nutritious meals twice a day in such ashrams in Vrindavan. With your support, we aim to expand our reach across India so that these mothers can live peaceful and independent lives.

This Makar Sankranti, make a difference! Donate and save tax.

We, at Akshaya Patra, refuse to rest until we achieve zero hunger in India!

So, join our proud donor family this Makar Sankranti. Start your 2023 with the generosity of donating to feed people from low socioeconomic backgrounds while also gaining a 50% tax exemption on your invaluable contribution as Akshaya Patra is registered u/s 12 A of the Income Tax act.

Share the blessings of health and wealth you received and fill your lives with goodness and satisfaction this 2023!

SUPPORT US TODAY FOR A HUNGER-FREE AND UNSTOPPABLE INDIA TOMORROW!

What can one do to improve the lives of children who are less fortunate? Akshaya Patra’s programmes centred around the holistic development of underprivileged children, empowers them to pursue their dreams towards a better tomorrow.

Starting with just 1,500 beneficiaries, the NGO has touched and made a difference to the lives of many children and serves hot and nutritious meals to over 2 million Government children across the country. Apart from the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme, the organisation also facilitates digital learning (Digital Education Programme) and has provided scholarship (AVSAR Scholarship) to thousands of children.

An Anthology of Dreamers

Chandrashekhar Dream

They not only take care of the nation but also the environment. But it is the duty of every Indian to keep the environment clean” he says. He is also an Akshaya Patra beneficiary who enjoys the nourishing mid-day meals at school. He says they help him stay active and healthy, which is crucial to lead him to his dream.

Kriti’s Dream

I appreciate the Dal and Pulav that The Akshaya Patra Foundation serves as part of their Mid-Day Meal Program on selected days at school. The other food items they provide are very tasty too. I get the nourishment and energy I need to study effectively and pursue my other interests, she claims.

Soumya’s Dream

She likes the lunch offered at school, and her favourites are rice and sambar.

To saving lives and serving people

After completing his PUC with flying colours, he was enrolled into the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences in the Karwar District. He earned his MBBS on May 4, 2022, and he intends to continue his education.He thanks The Akshaya Patra Foundation for providing him with lunch while he was attending school. He asserts that the diet gave him the energy he needed to concentrate on his schoolwork and athletics while also chasing his goals.

He claims that from Class 1 he has received assistance from The Akshaya Patra Foundation and thais taught him that there is nothing more fulfilling than helping others in need.

Understanding nuances of chemistry

He further adds: “As a student, my skills will allow me to accept challenges with confidence and contribute to discussions during lectures with new ideas. Teamwork, leadership, interpersonal and hands-on skills are key abilities that engineers must contain in order to be successful and I’m working hard to achieve them.” He expressed his happiness as he received the tab and said this will now allow him to research more about engineering and allow him to prepare for competitive exams.

This new year, extend the joy of giving, by lighting up smiles and giving wings to the dreams of millions of children. We can see that children who will make up tomorrow’s India have tremendous strength. These stars can shine brightly in this world with little assistance and climb the success ladder as time goes on.

Usher in new hopes this 2023 by supporting Akshaya Patra.

Every year on 25th December, people of all faiths rejoice on Christmas for it is marked by holidays, decorations, celebrations and positive energy everywhere.

It is the day Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who is also believed to be the Son of God. He descended on earth despite being aware of his impending sufferings to rid his believers of misery. He was born to guide us on a path of hope and love, sacrificing himself for us.

The two most popular practices during Christmas celebrations are feasting on delicacies and the blissful exchange of gifts. Families and friends revel over lavish festive meals and have Santa Claus give their gifts to those they love.

On this day, the atmosphere across the globe is merry with laughter, colours, lights and gifts.
However, millions of people still live deprived of all these, even during Christmas celebrations.

Did you know?
According to the World Bank, about half of the world’s total number of extremely underprivileged individuals live in just five countries in Africa and Asia. And according to the 2022 Global Hunger Index, India suffers a level of hunger that is serious!

But your contribution can change that!

This Christmas, support NGOs that work for the underprivileged so that they also enjoy delightful meals and happy times. Your donation to The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a globally recognised 22-year-old NGO, can serve unlimited breakfast and lunch to socio-economically deprived children on this special day. It will help them attend school regularly and strive for better lifestyles without distractions.

Add goodwill to your Christmas celebrations with Akshaya Patra

We at Akshaya Patra, started in 2000 by nourishing 1,500 children in five Government schools of Karnataka as a part of the Government initiative – the Mid day Meal Programme (MDM), now called the PM Poshan Abhiyaan.

Today, we provide ‘unlimited food for education’ of 2 million children every day from 65 kitchens across 14 states and 2 union territories in India.

Additionally, support from various Governments and millions of donors globally, helped us launch programmes for pregnant women and nursing mothers hailing from marginalised communities.

We also began serving meals to homeless mothers who struggle to survive without families, homes and a stable mode of income. Through this initiative, we hope to take care of their basic need for nourishment and they can utilise their potential to work and rise against the odds.

We helped disaster victims during emergencies including the COVID-19 pandemic, floods, droughts and rainstorms.

But our NGO refuses to pause until we achieve our mission—to feed 3 million underprivileged school children every day by 2025.

Below are some of our initiatives we started in the year 2022 to achieve the same:

Breakfast Feeding Programme: Breakfast provides adequate nutrition to children, helping them attend school regularly with higher concentration and interest. They perform better in both scholastic and non-scholastic tasks while cultivating good behaviour as they grow. Without breakfast, children struggle with low memory recall and carry higher chances of making errors.

A study in Karnataka proved that at least 199 of 5,158 children get only one meal a day. Mid day meal (MDM) is the first meal for around 2.1 lakh children — not breakfast. Thus, we at Akshaya Patra began serving breakfast in addition to lunch, in Government and Government-aided schools.

Millets in mid day meals (MDM): Millets are five times more nourishing than rice and wheat. They digest well, strengthen the nervous system, nourish the muscular system, protect against lifestyle diseases and cancer risks, reduce cholesterol, and improve energy levels.

Furthermore, they can be cultivated in less fertile soils with small inputs of fertilisers and pesticides, contributing to sustainable food-growing measures in India.

Consequently, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nutrihub, the Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) and the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) in August. Through this initiative, we aim to improve the nutritional content of school meals for Government school children across the country.

Support Akshaya Patra this Christmas. Donate for children.

Jesus Christ’s life was all about loving his devotees selflessly. So why not start your Christmas celebrations with the noble act of giving?

Share the blessings of health and wealth you received, with those in need. Make your lives pious this Christmas by donating towards the basic needs of food and education of underprivileged children.

DONATE TO AKSHAYA PATRA TODAY!

Jawaharlal Nehru was one of the first proficient administrators of India. Along with it, he had limitless affection for children, no matter their gender or socioeconomic background.

Nehru loved roses and used them metaphorically to explain the nature of children. He said,
“Children are like buds in a garden and should be carefully and lovingly nurtured, as they are the future of the nation and citizens of tomorrow. Only through the right education can a better order of society be built up.”

And so he made invaluable contributions to child education and development.

• He emphasised the rights of underprivileged children to free and equal education
• He founded the Children’s Film Society India in 1955 to create native cinema exclusively for children
• He enforced the establishment of the iconic All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM).

Thus, in recognition of Nehru’s love for children and his efforts to ensure child welfare in India, the Government passed an official notice to mark his birthday as Children’s Day after his demise in 1964.

Ever since, this day is being celebrated in schools with songs, dance performances, plays, snacks and a lot of fun. Most importantly, it emphasises raising awareness about a child’s fundamental rights to nutritious food, education, protection and health care.

But today, over 33 lakh children in India still battle undernourishment and exploitation EVERY DAY.
The Government of India and NGOs like The Akshaya Patra Foundation are working ceaselessly so that underprivileged children can access their rights to food and education.

Akshaya Patra’s ‘0 hunger’ initiative

Akshaya Patra is a 22-year-old not-for-profit organisation whose 65 kitchens serve mid-day meals (and breakfast in some locations) to 20,10,516 children in Government and Government-aided schools across 14 states and 2 union territories in India. It supports the Government’s initiative of PM Poshan Abhiyaan (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme [MDM]).

The NGO has the reputation of running the world’s largest school-lunch programme and is registered under the Indian Trusts Act of 1882. When you donate to this NGO, you can also avail 50% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act since the Foundation is registered under section 12 A of the IT Act as a non-profit organisation.
So, be rest assured that your donation is in safe hands!1

Also, the new model of PM Poshan Abhiyaan will surely yield well when implemented effectively. It:
• nourishes pre-primary school children and provides supplementary nutrition to anaemic children
• authorises specialists to monitor nutrition, haemoglobin levels, BMI and weight of school children
• teaches children to grow food with nutritional gardens
• empowers women’s self-help groups (SHGs) and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by procuring raw materials locally
• authorises college and university students to inspect and ensure ground-level execution of PM Poshan Abhiyaan
• encourages communities to feed children during festivals

Thus, Akshaya Patra needs your contribution this Children’s Day to efficiently run the programme in every location across India and put an end to malnourishment in the country.

Your impact when you support Akshaya Patra

Ever since the Mid-Day Meal Programme (MDM) was started in 2000, beneficiary schools confirmed improvement in school enrolment and attendance rates while children expressed their love for school as they get to learn, make friends and eat delicious mid-day meals. Parents from low-income households are also at peace knowing their children will grow strong and smart from education and nutritious meals provided every day at school.

Donate for children’s school meals this Children’s Day

India has raised geniuses like Chanakya and Birbal in the past. It has also achieved great heights in the seven decades since its independence. Thus evidently, its people are brimming with talent and skills. Many have even transcended boundaries and have emerged as international leaders today.

If marginalised children are given access to basic needs and their fundamental rights, the day is not far when India will emerge as the abode of achievers!

Your contribution can help in realising this dream!

If Akshaya Patra can accomplish empowering 2 million (20,10,516) children every day in 22 years with support from donors like you, then achieving 0 hunger and 100% literacy among children is possible too.

So, let’s achieve an India that is self-sufficient, self-reliant and a home to leaders!

Donate to Akshaya Patra this Children’s Day to build a hunger-free future.

Karnataka observes its foundation day called Kannada Rajyostva on 1 November annually. It is celebrated by Kannadigas across the world. Read on to know about its significance.

Kannada Rajyostva dates back to 1 November 1956, when all the Kannada language-speaking regions in South India united to form the state of Karnataka. Ever since, the day has been observed as a Government holiday in Karnataka annually.

Also known as the Karnataka Foundation Day, this day is celebrated by Kannadigas across the world. In Karnataka, people hoist the vibrant red and yellow state flag and sing the Kannada anthem—Jaya Bharatha Jananiya Tanujate, followed by song and dance performances in offices and schools.

Winners of the Rajyotsava Awards are also announced and felicitated by the Government of Karnataka on this day. The award is the second-highest civilian honour in Karnataka after Karnataka Ratna to recognise contributions in the fields of arts, culture, literature, science, education, sports, industry, public affairs and social service.

The History of Kannada Rajyotsava
Karnataka’s official name originated from ‘Karu Nadu’, meaning elevated land. It holds immense significance with a renowned Indian historian and writer, Aluru Venkata Rao, who was the first person to dream of unifying all Kannada-speaking regions into a state with the Karnataka Ekikarana movement.

After India became a republic, this movement concluded in Mysore becoming one of the states of South India. After six years, on 1 November 1956, Mysore was merged with the surrounding Kannada-speaking regions of Bombay and Madras presidencies along with those in the principality of Hyderabad to create a unified entity.

However, the people of North Karnataka were against retaining the name ‘Mysore’ for the new state. Thus, it was renamed to ‘Karnataka’ on 1 November 1973.

The legacy of Karnataka
Karnataka is one of the most important cultural centres with a rich history of both Hindustani and Carnatic music. The state’s northern regions have been home to musical maestros like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Sawai Gandharva.
It also has eight Jnanapith Award winners in the category of literature, second only to ten awardees for Hindi literature.

Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa, popularly known by his pen name Kuvempu, was the first Kannada writer to receive the Jnanpith Award. He was an Indian poet, playwright, novelist and critic who is revered as the greatest Kannada poet of the 20th century.

NGO activity in Karnataka
Karnataka is also the birthplace of an esteemed 21-year-old NGO called The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which has devoted itself to making the most basic need of nutritious food available to millions of underprivileged people of India.
It started as an NGO in Bangalore that fed mid-day meals to 1,500 children in five Government schools of Karnataka. Today, its state-of-the-art kitchens are present in 65 locations, fueling a range of programmes for several marginalised communities across India.

Nourishing meals from this charity in Karnataka now reach 14 states and 2 union territories every day. As for its fundamental motive of providing meals for education under PM Poshan Abhiyaan, it currently nourishes 2 million children from low socioeconomic backgrounds daily.

In Karnataka, it feeds 3,51,381 children in 3,188 Government schools.

Meet one of the talented mid-day meal beneficiaries in Karnataka
Chetan B Malladad is a student of HPKGS school in Hubballi. He has three siblings. His mother is a mid-day meal worker and his father is an employee at a local hospital. Little Chetan is a mid-day meal beneficiary and loves the food he eats at school. He says he is not just grateful for the food but also for employing his mother.

Here’s what Chetan says:

Final thoughts
The PM Poshan Abhiyaan beneficiaries in Karnataka and the rest of India will surely be the next batch of its achievers, including artists, writers, scientists, sportspeople, industrialists, social workers and more. The only ask is to nurture them with quality food, play and education.

And, your contribution matters!

Support to nourish and educate ambitious children like Chetan every day! Donate to NGOs like Akshaya Patra for the glorious future of Karnataka and India.

In the past decade, the concept of sustainability has gained immense popularity amongst the global population. Organisations and people are now trying to make conscious day-to-day decisions for the benefit of society and the environment.

Corporations are implementing an inclusive work culture by facilitating equal opportunities for people from various socioeconomic backgrounds. Individuals now prefer eco-friendly and cruelty-free products while also making efforts towards proper waste disposal practices.

Yet, the world still faces a desperate need to tackle food insecurity.

Food is the foundation for all forms of development. Denial of food is the same as the denial of basic rights and equal opportunities for everyone. It also means limited opportunities for innovation and the well-being of underprivileged communities.

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, political unrest and rising food prices have further challenged progress for many, thus slowing progress for all of us.

Therefore, World Food Day is one of the most celebrated days on the United Nations’ calendar to acknowledge and act against the upsetting hunger crisis. The day is observed on 16 October every year across 150 countries to commemorate the day when the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) was founded in 1945. (Source 1)

Every year, the UN adopts a theme for this day when governments, businesses, media and the public participate in outreach events in 50+ languages to spread awareness and help those suffering from lasting hunger.

Feed the hungry in India this World Food Day

India is the second most populated country. Due to its vastness and geographic position, there are drastic differences in its climate across regions, resulting in diverse cultural preferences and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Also, food insecurity is widespread in India, calling for collaborative efforts from the Government and the people.

Fortunately, NGO activity in India is robust, which helps millions of people satiate their hunger every day. But the NGOs also need consistent support from the people to uproot chronic malnutrition entirely.

One of the best ways to do so is by providing pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children with balanced nourishment. This will ensure that malnourishment is targeted in the foundational years of children’s lives, helping them build immunity against diseases for a lifetime. It will also guarantee the complete growth of their vital organs, securing a bright and active future for them.

Akshaya Patra’s Anganwadi Feeding Programme and Mid-Day Meal Programme under PM Poshan Abhiyaan are the two initiatives that work towards this purpose.

Final Thoughts
If we continue to serve such healthy school meals to children, they will soon transcend the vicious cycle of inadequacy towards great achievements for the country and compassion for their society.
Your online donation of INR 1500 towards the Mid-Day Meal Programme can feed a child for an academic year.

So, let’s support and feed more children to end malnourishment in the early years of their life.
Donate to Akshaya Patra this World Food Day and contribute to a sustainable future for India.

Navaratri or Navaratra is the most-awaited and auspicious nine-day festival for paying respect to Goddess Durga. People celebrate and worship her nine forms on these days as each day is linked with an incarnation of the goddess.

Across India, the festival is celebrated by decorating homes and offices with diyas, rangolis, flowers and lights. The period culminates with Dashami (the tenth day of Navaratri)—also called Dussehra or Vijayadashami—marking the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura and of Lord Rama over Ravana.

Additionally, as Navaratri means ‘nine nights’, it is considered a duration of happiness after a hectic year, just like a peaceful night after a day of intense work. Thus, people observe fast, eat healthy and practice peace and contentment for these nine days. By Vijayadashami, members of Indian families dispersed all across the world, meet up over lavish meals, dance, lights and lots of fun.

In Gujarat, the festival is observed by doing the Garba and Dandiya folk dances. While in West Bengal, Devi Durga is venerated with grandiose and vigour.

No matter the differences in customs, the core value of the festival is the victory of good over evil.

Among the many ways of helping the needy, feeding them can be extremely beneficial for them. Once they are healthy, they can focus on improving other aspects of their lives. Children can continue their education while elders can work efficiently to improve their financial situation.

Celebrate with acts of kindness
A common practice during this time is donating to charity. People express gratitude for the health and wealth they received, by sharing it with those who are not as privileged—be it in the form of food, money, clothes, stationery or other articles. It is indeed the best way to multiply the goodness and divinity of Navratri.

Therefore, donating food to the underprivileged can significantly elevate the lifestyles of low-income families, develop communities and increase their earning potential, eventually benefitting the Indian economy.

Feed the hungry children
Across the world and in India, we have several registered NGOs for hunger elimination. They welcome generous donors who wish to donate and feed those in need. Akshaya Patra is one such trusted NGO in India, serving cooked meals to the underprivileged through its 65 kitchens across 14 states and 2 Union Territories.

Although it has been running several programmes for underprivileged communities, one of its flagship programmes is the Mid-Day Meal Programme that supports the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan for children of Government schools. It currently feeds 2 million children across India every day!

Today, many schools report that serving mid-day meals has increased enrolment and attendance rates, even among girls. They say children are now more active and can concentrate better during classes.

Meet the graceful mid-day meal beneficiary – Kajal

This Navratri, make an online donation to help children like Kajal leap towards their aspirations without worrying about food. Feed the hungry children with Akshaya Patra and attain divine blessings this Navratri along with a 50% tax exemption under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act.

Happy Dussehra!

This August on Indian Independence Day, the nation will complete its diamond jubilee of rebirth from the ashes of British rule.

Every year, on this day, Indians proudly pay tribute to our freedom fighters who fought so that we could enjoy a happier and more secure tomorrow.

But hidden in narrow crevices are many still devoid of basic necessities.

Some of them are even successors of those who bravely protected our land in the face of death seven decades ago. So, in addition to watching the tri-colour unfurl and singing Jana Gana Mana with pride, let’s help our unfortunate and disadvantaged people who deserve freedom from hunger.

Feed for freedom for hunger this Indian Independence Day
Millions of people across India are yet to realize their dream of independence. Families, women and girls face discrimination and struggle to access food, basic hygiene and education. The recent disasters like the floods and landslides made the problem severe by destroying all their previous efforts towards a better life.

On the brighter side, the better-off are increasingly becoming aware that India can achieve self-sufficiency only when the marginalized sections of society receive support until they are self-reliant. And hence, they are actively donating towards their welfare.

Many NGOs are also working day and night to collaborate with donors and elevate the conditions of underprivileged people. Akshaya Patra is one of such recognised NGOs that has been striving for 21 years to primarily support food and education of children.

Today, many children in India do not attend school but, work for a meagre income to support their families. As a result, it becomes a vicious cycle of insufficiency for their future generations.

To break the cycle, Akshaya Patra started to feed the needy children in Government and Government-aided schools through the midday meals programme to motivate children to attend school. Owing to its success, the Foundation is now known for implementing the world’s largest NGO-run school lunch programme.

As the NGO expanded, it began providing disaster relief, feeding homeless mothers, nursing mothers and people in distress as well.

All these initiatives are well-researched and in sync with the government’s vision for a developed India. Hence, it looks for continued support from its donors to help make the sustainable development goal 2 – Zero Hunger possible.

So, give back to society on this Indian Independence Day.
Feed the needy children with Akshaya Patra’s midday meal programme or support any of its initiatives this year to truly free Indians from the unending cycle of hunger and financial insufficiency.

Once again, Happy Independence Day!