Akshaya Patra believes that exploring is a significant part of college education, and internships are a great way for students to get hands on experience of the field they are interested in. Keeping this in view, we encourage internship for students from across the globe. In addition to coaching interns in a particular field, Akshaya Patra, a charity for children focuses on enhancing their skills in communication and teamwork too.

The end of June also marked the end of Akshaya Patra’s internship programme for the students from Hong Kong University. This sequel – Part 2 is about a lively young girl named Chau. Here is how she narrates her experience.

My internship at The Akshaya Patra Foundation
“Two-and-a-half-week is such a short time to do something” was my worry on the first day interning for the Digital Marketing Team at The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Little had I known about the learning opportunities, the joy, the meaningful conversations, and the unforgettable memories waiting for me ahead. When it’s about time for me to leave, I realise that we learn more from an experience because of the process we’ve been through, the people we’ve met and worked with, the knowledge we’ve gathered, and the feelings and emotions we’ve experienced along the way.

My internship with Akshaya Patra, a non-profit organisation had been in the field of ‘Communications,’ with the focus on creating and improving the overall content for web pages and campaigns. Since this was my first experience to work in the area of online marketing and communication, I was quite worried at the beginning. However, my team mates and I were encouraged to learn, try, improve, and create our work by two dedicated supervisors. For every task given, not only did they provide us with clear and detailed instruction but also willingly listened to our opinions, gave us spaces to be creative, and provided their support when we needed.

My tasks involved writing blogs and benchmark research, both of which I had no previous experience. Yet through blogging, I learned so much about organising my ideas and how to put them down into words to deliver my thoughts to communicate with the readers. During the benchmark research, to my surprise was how our supervisors were very welcoming and listening to our comments, thoughts, and opinions. I know that what we have done is no more than just a helping hand, but the appreciation we received is such an encouragement for us.

Besides working in the Central Office, I also had opportunities to see one of the Akshaya Patra kitchens in Bengaluru and visit two beneficiary schools. These opportunities are those that touched my heart and left me with delightful memories of my time with Akshaya Patra.

It was an early morning visit to the kitchen where we learnt about the food processing and cooking. We saw how everything was carefully prepared since 4:30 a.m. and the dedication of all the workers in the kitchen to make sure that wholesome, nutritious meals are provided to students on time every school day. Our kitchen visit was followed by a school visit. It was the sound of the bell ringing during lunch time, and the children ran out of the classrooms to line up in the meal serving area, waiting for the warm, freshly prepared meals by Akshaya Patra that not only fills their empty stomach for a productive afternoon class but also their dreams in the future. The conversation that we had with the students about their dreams and hopes, despite the fact that we don’t speak the same language had been very exciting. These vivid and unforgettable memories made my internship time even more meaningful. I am sure I will carry them all with me in the future.

I felt that time passed by really quick in the past 20 days. But I saw myself learning and growing from this opportunity. And more importantly, I have seen and now truly believe, that with the efforts, actions, and dedication, we can do much more than we can think of.

As the summer fades and the school bells ring once more, millions of children across the globe eagerly wait to go back to school. Yet, for many, the promise of education is often hindered by hunger. At The Akshaya Patra Foundation, we believe that no child should have to choose between meals and education. That is why we are committed to providing mid-day meals to schoolchildren, ensuring they have the nourishment they need to thrive academically and beyond.

The Power of Mid-Day Meals (MDM)
Mid-day meals (MDM) serve as more than just a source of sustenance; they are a lifeline for countless children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. These meals not only alleviate classroom hunger but also act as a powerful incentive for children to attend school regularly. By offering a warm, nutritious meal each day, you remove barriers to education and empower children to reach their full potential.

Fuelling education, one meal at a time
Imagine the impact of a simple meal on a child’s ability to learn. With a nourished body and mind, students are better equipped to focus in class, participate actively and absorb new knowledge. MDMs not only support physical growth and development but also foster a positive learning environment where children can thrive.

You can make a difference
At Akshaya Patra, we rely on the generosity of individuals and organisations to sustain our mission. Every donation, no matter how big or small, helps us continue providing mid-day meals to children in need. By contributing to our cause, you become a part of a movement that is transforming lives and shaping brighter futures.

Join Us in Making a Difference
Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the nourishment they need to succeed in school and beyond. Join us in our mission to end classroom hunger and promote education for all. Your support can make a world of difference.

4,34,558 CHILDREN – KARNATAKA
23 years ago, we began our journey of providing nutritious school lunches to children, right from Karnataka. We have grown from feeding 1,500 children (starting in 2000) to 4,34,558 children currently.

3,70,355 CHILDREN – GUJARAT
Akshaya Patra’s healthy school meals energise 3,70,355 school children for their playtime along with studies. With the compassionate support of those who donate to feed the children, we want to drive this figure further up.

2,53,217 CHILDREN – RAJASTHAN
Akshaya Patra is striving harder to extend its reach in Rajasthan so that more children can benefit from the school lunch programme. Today, we feed 2,53,217 children in Rajasthan and want to do more.

3,12,872 CHILDREN – UTTAR PRADESH
This is the number of children who are counting on your support to go back to school and continue their schooling with regular wholesome meals. Ensure your support to empower them with school meals and education.

1,63,829 CHILDREN – ODISHA
Akshaya Patra is an NGO in India that focuses on health and children’s education. We nourish to educate children in Bhubaneswar, Puri, Nayagarh and Rourkela in Odisha.

1,60,169 CHILDREN – TELANGANA
We feed 1,60,169 children in Telangana and are working harder each day to do more. With a huge mission in mind, your support is what we look for, because every child in government school coming from a challenging background looks forward to school meals.

1,42,624 CHILDREN – ANDHRA PRADESH
Many children walk long distances to reach school every day. However, all that becomes worthwhile when they get books to learn from, healthy school lunches and time to play. 1,42,624 children whom we feed every school day desperately look forward to getting back to school.

43,081 CHILDREN – ASSAM
43,081 – yes, this is the number of children we feed in Assam. Sometimes, it becomes difficult to deliver food to locations where geographical terrain and road connectivity is bad. Thanks to our dedicated meal distribution vehicle drivers who consider delivering food for children’s education as important as breathing for existence.

20,246 CHILDREN – CHATTISGARH
There are 20,246 children whom we feed with pleasure in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. With your support to feed them, we can increase these numbers to cover more children under our umbrella.

51,980 CHILDREN – DAMAN and DNH
From our centralised kitchen in Silvassa, we feed 51,980 children on a daily basis, helping them improve their nutritional status.

52,290 CHILDREN – DELHI
Our four kitchens in Delhi feed a total of 52,290 children who love to learn, play and have fun at school. These meals energise them and help them stay active throughout the day.

51,625 CHILDREN – MAHARASHTRA
Akshaya Patra, NGO for child education, nurtures the future of 51,625 school-going children in Maharashtra by providing freshly cooked mid-day meals on all school days.

755 CHILDREN – TRIPURA
In the remote location of Kashirampara in North Tripura, we feed and support the school supplies of 755 tribal children from the Reang Tribe.

460 CHILDREN – TAMIL NADU
Akshaya Patra is committed to implementing the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan Programme (earlier called the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Programme) by ensuring the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. With the mid-day meals, we intend to bring children back to school every year. Indeed, the clock is ticking for 460 children (whom we feed in Tamil Nadu) for their chance to attend school for another academic year.

30,743 CHILDREN – MADHYA PRADESH
30,743 children in Bhopal look forward to the blue van every day that brings them hot food. This is a promise made by Akshaya Patra that we deliver even today, after 23 years.

49,684 CHILDREN – PUDUCHERRY
We ensure that only fresh and nutritious ingredients are used in the cooking process since safety and hygiene are our top priority. 49,684 children in Puducherry consume freshly cooked, hot food every day by us for lunch.

26,077 CHILDREN – UTTARAKHAND
We feed 26,077 children in Gadarpur and Dehradun with nutritious food so that they become regular to school and gain uninterrupted education.

Take Action Today
Visit our website to learn more about Akshaya Patra and how you can support our cause. Together, let’s nourish minds and build a brighter tomorrow for our children.

Every child deserves the chance to thrive in school and beyond. With your support, we can make this a reality. Join us in supporting PM Poshan Abhiyaan and ensuring that every child receives the nourishment they need to succeed.

As we embark on this journey back to school, unite in our commitment to nourishing the minds and bodies of underprivileged children. Your contribution can make a significant difference in ensuring that no child is hungry in school. Together, let’s uphold the principles of PM Poshan Abhiyaan and pave the way for a generation of healthy and educated individuals.