Engaging in any charitable act reflects your humane, responsible and compassionate side.

Often, we get so busy in the hustle-bustle of life that we overlook people who need our support. While we focus on tending to our everyday responsibilities and fulfilling our duties, we miss nurturing the compassionate and benevolent side in our lives. This is when non-profit organisations come into play. NGOs are non-government groups that work at the grassroots level to bring about a sustainable and tangible change in the community, society or the nation. The work of such organisations include tackling issues related to empowerment, environment protection, social development, education, health, poverty, hunger and similar other issues. Hence, by engaging with such NGOs by supporting them as a volunteer, knowledge partner, goodwill ambassador or donor, you can create a huge impact.

Given the significant roles that an NGO plays, the government of India encourages individuals and corporates to engage with and donate to charitable organisations.

The Income Tax Act of the Government of India supports charitable contributions made towards philanthropic organisations. According to Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, financial contributions made towards a registered charitable organisation qualify for tax exemption. The deciding factor to identify whether the donor receives 100% exemption or 50% exemption, depends on the registration of the charitable organisation.

Your Tax deductible donations have five benefits:

• It supports the beneficiary NGO in its operations, helps in the sustenance and expansion of its service.
• Positively influences and impacts the lives of beneficiaries.
• Reiterates the values of compassion and generosity. It also instils a sense of ‘giving back to society’.
• Uplifts the community on the whole by imbibing awareness, responsibilities, and being a part of the solution for numerous issues at hand.
• Makes the benefactor eligible for tax exemption.

NGOs understand the worth & power of every rupee. They ensure that the funds are utilized in the right manner

No matter what cause the NGO fights for, every little support from you will be valued and looked forward to. Hence, you can support an organisation depending on the cause you deeply connect with. For example, if you want to provide health and education to children coming from challenging socio-economic backgrounds, you can support not for profit organisations like The Akshaya Patra Foundation. It is one of the pioneer NGOs in India that started implementing the Government’s Midday Meal Programme. The Foundation provides nutritious school lunch to children in government and government-aided schools since 2000 for the last 21 years.

Currently, Akshaya Patra provides regular midday meals to 18,00,907 children studying in 19,039 schools across 60 locations of 14 States and 2 Union Territories of India. When you donate to this NGO:

• You make nutritious food accessible to school children, support their education while helping them progress towards their dreams and goals.
• Midday meals contribute towards overall development by enhancing children’s concentration. It also improves their performance in academics and participation in co-curricular activities.
• These meals improve attendance and reduce the drop-out rate of children, thereby ensuring continuity in education.
• You create a lasting impact in the lives of young, determined, and aspirational children who are willing to go beyond their financial situations.
• You become eligible to receive tax exemption on your donated amount (applicable for an online donation of ₹500 and above).

Akshaya Patra is considered among the best NGO in India to donate to, given the cause it works for and the diligence in its financial transparency.

In conclusion, your one moment to make a contribution and show your compassion can bring a phenomenal difference to society. So, as you go about fulfilling your responsibilities, do attend to your benevolent side too!

What memory does kite-flying bring into your mind?
Makara Sankranti!
It is one Indian festival that brings a gush of memories to all of us. Exchanging gifts, sweets, clothes, etc. are a part of our childhood that hold a special place in our hearts even till date. Sankranti is celebrated on the same dateevery year, that is on 14th January. It is known as Pongal, Bihu, Lohri, Uttarayan, etc. in different states.
This festival marks the beginning of spring season and the Sun God is worshipped for moving from Tropic of Cancer to Tropic of Capricorn (Dakshinayan to Uttarayan). The sun enters the Capricorn zodiac sign.

Significance of Makara Sankranti according to Hindu Mythology
In the religious text of Mahabharata, Bhishma, the grandfather of the Pandavas and Kauravas, had received a boon of choosing the time of his death. Though he was badly wounded, he chose to wait for an auspicious date to leave his body. He left his body on the day of sun’s succession on Vaikuntha Ekadashi, as he lied on a bed of arrows for almost a month. It is believed that souls that depart during this auspicious period will reach heaven.

Makara Sankranti is the time when nights become shorter and days become longer. It is the festival of harvesting of rabi crops.

It is one festival that is celebrated differently in many states of India. Sankranti is an auspicious day for all Hindus; it is symbolic of celebrating the movement from darkness unto light which also means eliminating the bad in ourselves to pave way for the goodness in us. While some exchange sweets, pray for the wellness of each and every one, others feed the children, animals and others in need.

Bring out the best side of your goodness and spread cheer in the lives of people who need some sort of assistance. This harvest festival, include young children and underprivileged people in your act of goodness. Like how you celebrate this festive season with your loved ones, support these people in need to help them celebrate. This festival of harvest, bring them closer to food that helps them survive without having to compromise on education.

Celebrate Sankranti with Akshaya Patra
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an NGO that primarily serves mid-day meals to school children studying in Government and Government-aided schools of India. Running the world’s largest NGO-run midday meal programme, the Foundations aims to feed 5 million children every day. Moving towards the same, more kitchens are being set up with support of the Government of India, individual donors, corporate partners and volunteers. As of today, there are centralised and decentralised kitchens in 6 locations that serves hygienic food to children from low-income sections.

In times of calamities, the kitchens of Akshaya Patra that serve mid-day meals to children, concentrate on serving food to people in distress.

As you begin this festive season by fling kits, burning old stuff, letting go off small tiffs, etc. let us also give a thought to feed the children in need. Help them harvest the goodness that brought life into their dreams. Donate online towards feeding them with Akshaya Patra to support their food and education. You can make memories in the life of children who look forward to celebrating this Makara Sankranti in a better manner.