Republic Day is a moment of pride as the entire nation comes together to celebrate the power of complete democracy. It also signifies the essence of equality without any discrimination. Akshaya Patra, a mid-day meal NGO also promotes equality by ensuring each child receives nutritious meals and rightful education.

The Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January 1950 and to commemorate this historic event, each year 26th January is celebrated as Republic Day in India. This made India an independent republic with a democratic government system i.e. the citizens of the country have the right and power to elect their representative rather than being ruled by a monarch. Indeed significant, but this also comes with the responsibility of empowering citizens to be good decision makers.

The Preamble of the Constitution of India clearly upholds ‘EQUALITY of status and of opportunity’ for each and every citizen of the country. And, this is true for access to food and education too. Access to food and education are fundamental rights of every citizen and is extremely essential for proper growth and development of children. The Government along with many NGOs are already working towards ensuring access to these basic needs and The Akshaya Patra Foundation is one among them. An NGO in India, Akshaya Patra supports education of children by providing them with nutritious school lunch on each school day. This meal has been instrumental in bringing children to school and helping them continue their education. Wholesome meals, regular lessons, and exposure to sports and co-curricular activities promote holistic development among children, who in the near future will be the decision makers of the country.

India is a land of thriving talents and skills – an element that is vital in continuous progress of the country; all we need to do is, provide a platform for these talents and skills to develop. And, schooling is the first step! Agreed, it is a humongous task to bring each child under the ambit of health and education, but it is possible to reach the last child if we all work unitedly towards it. This Republic Day, pledge to feed a child and partake in the progress of the country. By contributing online donation, you can instantly transform young lives in the most desirable way. By pledging to support children, you will also uphold the element of equal opportunity to nutrition and education for children.

Only empowered children can contribute in the progress of the country. So, on this proud moment of celebrating 70th Republic Day, let’s pledge to progress together by providing adequate support to children of the nation. Your one step towards creating a change will manifest in the most desirable way in the near future.
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“On World Food Day, let us each recommit to doing our part to end hunger and poverty wherever it exists.” – Barack Obama, Former US President.

16^th October of each year is observed as the World Food Day across the globe. It is observed in honour of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. In order to address the various aspects of the need to tackle global hunger, this day is celebrated with a specific theme each year and the theme for 2018 is: “Our Actions Are Our Future. A #Zero Hunger World By 2030 is Possible”. Government and non-government entities advocate the need and importance of food security along with taking necessary steps to ensure food is available for all.

 Akshaya Patra and World Food Day

The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a mid-day meal NGO providing nutritious lunch to Government school children in India observes World Food Day not just for a day, but, every day! The NGO provides freshly cooked, wholesome, and tasty meals to more than 1.76 million children in 14,314 Government schools across 39 locations of 12 states, on each school day. By providing mid-day meals Akshaya Patra aims to counter two main issues: hunger and illiteracy. Over the years of service, the Foundation has observed that mid-day meal is a potential incentive in bringing children to school and supporting continuity of their education. Hence, World Food Day activities is an every day commitment at Akshaya Patra.

The World Food Day celebration at Akshaya Patra is being supported by noteworthy personalities from the culinary and nutrition world namely: Mr Sanjeev Kapoor, Celebrity Chef and Entrepreneur; Chef Ramasamy Selvaraj, Taj Vivanta, Bengaluru; and Ms. Divya Sathyaraj, Nutritionist. They are also the Goodwill Ambassadors of Akshaya Patra and wholeheartedly support the Foundation’s cause. Here is what they have to say –

“I am happy to associate with The Akshaya Patra Foundation as a Goodwill Ambassador. Akshaya Patra is all about giving nutritious food to children. My own journey of cooking food for my family and friends and presenting it to millions of viewers on television is in absolute sync with the Foundation’s idea – the joy of giving is much more than the joy of receiving.” – Mr Sanjeev Kapoor, Celebrity Chef and Entrepreneur.

“It has been a proud moment to be associated with Akshaya Patra. It gives me an opportunity to support children in the pursuit of their dreams through the Foundation’s ‘Giving Every Dream a Chance’ initiative. My association with Akshaya Patra as a Goodwill Ambassador is a step forward towards the larger goal; there are millions of dreams that need a chance.” – Chef Ramasamy Selvaraj, Taj Vivanta, Bengaluru.

“As a nutritionist I strongly believe that a healthy diet will have a profound effect on a child’s well-being; a child’s body needs nutrition, not just food. Akshaya Patra has done incredible work to end classroom hunger. Leaders like President Barack Obama have appreciated the Foundation’s outstanding work in feeding children. I completely resonate with the vision and goals of Akshaya Patra and, I am truly honoured and privileged to be chosen as the organisation’s Goodwill Ambassador.” – Ms. Divya Sathyaraj, Nutritionist.

School Meals and Dreams

When children are well-fed and well-educated, it gives them the confidence to aim and achieve. It instills in them the hope for a better and brighter tomorrow. And, this gets reflected in the words of these children:

• “I aspire to be a District Collector.” – Y. Lalita, Visakhapatnam.
• “My aim is to be an Astronaut.” – Atharva Ajay Kale, Nagpur.
• “I aspire to be an Army Officer.” – Lakshmi Bai, Karnataka.
• “My goal is to be a Physical Education Teacher.” P Narasimha Raju, Visakhapatnam.
• “My aim is to be a Police Officer.” – Archana, Lucknow.
• “I aspire to be a Mechanical Engineer.” – Vikas Mudi, Karnataka.

These were just a few dreams from among 1.76 million dreams that gets fuelled by the nutritious meals of Akshaya Patra!

Support Akshaya Patra, Support World Food Day

When you support Akshaya Patra, it has both immediate and gradual impact. Your one moment of generosity towards Akshaya Patra will:

• Ensure daily school meals of children;
• Support education;
• Improve health and nutrition levels of children;
• Empower children to become resourceful and responsible citizens; and
• Make India a Zero Hunger nation.

So, this World Food Day, donate for a child, take a pledge, or share the significance of food security in your network of friends. Your care for children will pave way for generations of healthy, educated, and resourceful citizens.

“If we can conquer space, we can conquer childhood hunger.” – Buzz Aldrin, American Engineer, Former Astronaut, and Command Pilot in the United States Air Force.