Makar Sankranti marks the advent of a new phase symbolising abundance, joy, and prosperity. A harvest festival, it is celebrated across India with mush pomp and show. This Makar Sankranti, multiply your joy by including young beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra in your celebration.

Makar Sankranti, one of the most-awaited harvest festivals in India signifies new beginnings, good health, success and prosperity. It spreads the message of harmony and universal brotherhood. Each state has its indigenous way of celebrating this festival and aside from being called as Makar Sankranti or Sankrat in most states, this festival is known as Lohri in Punjab; Magh Bihu in Assam, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayana in Gujarat, Suggi in Karnataka, and Poush Sankranti in West Bengal. People celebrate this festival with much fun and frolic by offering prayers, taking holy dips, charity, preparing traditional sweets and savouries, kite flying, bonfire, revelling in folk dance and music, visiting Makar Sankranti fairs.

Makar Sankranti is another festival that reflects the amazing aspect of unity in diversity. Living up to the spirit of brotherhood and cultural solidarity, share the joy of this festive season with Akshaya Patra’s young beneficiaries too. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is currently providing nutritious meals to 17,62,133 children studying in 14,702 Government schools and Government-aided schools across 40 locations of 12 states. This meal has supported millions of children to attend school regularly, complete their education, and achieve their goals. The school lunch programme has been a remarkable pillar of support in furthering the cause of education for all.

Quoting Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, “A joy shared is a joy doubled”; and as you celebrate this festival with much fun and frolic, share the joys with young children by giving them the goodness of health and education that will pave their way to prosperity. This Makar Sankranti, add goodwill by supporting the much-needed school meals of children. Donate for a child generously and see them transform into healthy, educated, and resourceful citizens of the country. Your benevolent contribution will help the Foundation to extend the benefits of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme to many more children. Let us together empower the future of the nation, the children.

Akshaya Patra wishes each and every one a very happy and bountiful Makar Sankranti!

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When most of us are fast asleep in the wee hours of the morning, there are few places bustling with energy. Each day at the strike of 4 a.m., different groups of people at different locations prepped up with safety and hygiene gears enter into huge kitchen infrastructures. Why? To prepare ‘meals of hope’ for children studying in government schools! And, so we call them the ‘Humans of Akshaya Patra.’

Meet some of our passionate members from Vrindavan kitchen in Uttar Pradesh for whom the only aim is to benefit more and more children with freshly cooked, nutritious, and hygienic meals on every school day.

Dharampal Singh, Kitchen Supervisor – Production Department

Since when have you been working in Akshaya Patra?
I am working in Akshaya Patra since 30 June 2009.

Why did you choose to join Akshaya Patra?

I always wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. And, I knew Akshaya Patra would give me that opportunity. Hence, I chose to join Akshaya Patra.

What was life like before you joined Akshaya Patra?
Until I joined Akshaya Patra, I did not find peace and satisfaction in my job. But now life has changed totally and I feel blessed to be here in Vrindavan.

As a Kitchen Supervisor, what does your work encompass?
As a Kitchen Supervisor, my work encompasses taking case of the entire kitchen process and managing staff members. I ensure all kitchen staff mandatorily adhere to the personal hygiene standards and brief them on their respective responsibilities. I check the recipe summary sheet, raw material quality, monitor the cooking process, and taste food samples before delivery. I ensure that we always meet the ISO standards in our production process.

Why is it important that kitchen processes are in order and meals are cooked in a hygienic way?
Hygiene is an important factor, more so, when food is being cooked for school-going children. This food affects their personal growth and career development. Children are the future of our country, and we always keep their health and safety in mind while cooking food for them.

How has your life changed after joining Akshaya Patra?
My life has changed for the better after joining Akshaya Patra. It feels like a family as if all the employees here are threaded together with the idea of providing the best quality food to children punctually on every school day.
What makes working with Akshaya Patra special?

It’s a great environment to work here. Sometimes it gets hectic, but when the food gets prepared and distributed to children I feel so proud. Each day ends with the satisfaction that I was able to serve the children. I want to continuing working for children through Akshaya Patra, for the rest of my life.

Tulsiram, Driver

Since when have you been working in Akshaya Patra?
I have been working in Akshaya Patra since last 9 years.

What was life like before you joined Akshaya Patra?

Prior to joining Akshaya Patra, I faced lot of difficult conditions and life wasn’t really great.

Describe your typical day as a driver.

The days for me are quite difficult and hectic as a driver because the roads connecting the schools are not good. The schools are very far from Akshaya Patra kitchen. But, we make to reach on time and deliver the nutritious meals to school children. Despite the hurdles faced, it fills me with a sense of positivity that I was able to deliver the meals to children.

Any specific problem you face while on your way to deliver meals.

Mostly during rainy season, the roads get damaged. And, this poses a big challenge for us when we are out for delivering meals.

Why is it important that food reaches children on time?

Food is essential for mental and physical development of children. It is also vital in helping children to pay attention in class. Hence, I feel it is very important that children receive their lunch on time. It will improve their learning thereby benefiting them and the country also.

How has your life changed after joining Akshaya Patra?

After joining Akshaya Patra I have seen a remarkable change in my life. And, most important of all, now

I know the value of time!

What makes working with Akshaya Patra special?

Alongside improving my life and routine, Akshaya Patra’s job gives me a sense of peace, satisfaction, and pride.

Well, behind every great show, there are behind-the-scenes contributors. And, at Akshaya Patra, those contributors are our very own kitchen staff. Watch out this space to meet our passionate members from across all locations of Akshaya Patra.

We would love to hear from you, so please use the below comment section to share your thoughts and feedback.