“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being.” – Constitution of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Commemorating its inception on April 7, 1948, the World Health Organisation chose to mark April 7 of every year as World Health Day, which went into force in 1950. This day highlights health-related issues of global concern. This year’s theme is My Health, My Right which supports the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to quality health.

Having good health is a basic human right. Everybody should be able to get good nutrition, the necessary medical treatment, access to safe drinking water and more. As per a study conducted by Harvard University, good nutrition helps fuel your body. The food you eat provides the nutrients your body needs to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation and immune system.

A society where everyone is in good health and can lead happy, fulfilling lives is what the theme My Health, My Right stresses on. And for good health, the first and foremost need is good nutrition. As the implementing partner of the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, we, at The Akshaya Patra Foundation, strive to improve the general health of school-aged children by providing them nutritious mid-day meals.

Mid-day Meals and General Health

Macronutrients are essential to facilitate proper growth during the developmental years and therefore, are important ingredients of wholesome mid-day meals for children. Nutrient-dense foods such as proteins, whole grains, healthy fats and fresh fruits and vegetables are indicative of a healthy diet.
Proper nutrition also plays a protective role against illnesses and ailments that can impede a child’s development. This supports the right of children to the best possible health. A healthy childhood sets the stage for a healthy adulthood and nutritious mid-day meals lay the foundation for that healthy childhood.

According to the guidelines of the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, mid-day meals should also provide children important micronutrients like iron, zinc, folic acid, vitamin A and so on. We meticulously design and prepare mid-day meals whilst adhering to these guidelines.

Mid-day meals have a significant impact on children coming from weaker socio-economic backgrounds. It is often challenging for parents to send their children to school. The guarantee of a daily meal serves as an incentive for parents to enrol their children in school. Children who eat a healthy school lunch each day are better able to focus in class. For a child’s physical and cognitive growth, proper diet is crucial. Enhancing their ability to focus leads to increased participation in activities and improved academic success.

In an effort to provide a healthy foundation for development during important phases, we also feed cooked meals to pregnant and nursing mothers as well as children aged three to six in Anganwadi centres. Additionally, we feed wholesome, freshly prepared meals to mothers in the ashrams in Vrindavan to ensure that they are not devoid of healthy meals. These meals guarantee that the women lead a life of dignity and respect.

In a letter addressed to Akshaya Patra for achieving the remarkable milestone of serving 4 billion meals, Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi congratulated the collective efforts of those involved. He said: “This achievement stands as a testament to an unwavering commitment to eradicate hunger and provide nourishment to humanity.”

That good nutrition is one of the most important aspects of good health is backed by several studies. As a matter of fact, eating well is the foundation for a healthy and fulfilling life. Good nutrition is important, no matter the age. At Akshaya Patra, we have always aimed to lay a solid and healthy foundation for both young and old as we believe with conviction that it is their right.

This World Health Day, you can help those in need eat better by contributing to our feeding programmes. You also get a tax exemption of 50% under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act on your contribution.

Purvi Vadapudi is a 6th grade student at Government Higher Primary School Ramalingeshwarnagar in Hubballi, Karnataka. She lives in a slum with her mother and a sister who is studying in 4th standard at the same school. Her mother works as a maid in nearby houses. Unfortunately, she lost her father during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her father, suffering from kidney failure, could not receive proper treatment due to the unavailability of beds in the hospital. This tragic incident inspired her to dream of becoming a doctor.

There are many girls like Purvi who have a lot of big dreams about their future. However, in a world where gender discrimination is still an unresolved issue, girls face a lot of challenges to pursue all their dreams. National Girl Child Day is celebrated to shed light on the challenges girls face in terms of education, nutrition, healthcare and safety.

Empower girls. Develop the Nation

As Michael Obama said, “No country can flourish if it stifles the potential of its women”. If India wants to become a $5 trillion economy by the end of 2025, it will not be possible if women, a significant proportion of citizens, are uneducated. The Government of India has come up with a lot of initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) and the National Plan of Action for the Girl Child to empower girls to reach their full potential. The PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme) is one such scheme that can promote the education of girl children. When children receive nutritious meals in schools, it gives them the energy to concentrate on their studies and the courage to dream big. The promise of a healthy meal inspires parents to send their daughters to school. So girl children, who are usually the ones who forfeit dreams due to the financial struggles of the family, can pursue all their dreams and build a good future for themselves.

Create More Female Narratives of the Economy

In India, there still exists gender division for different jobs. Men are expected to be the sole breadwinners of a family and women to be a homemaker, a job which is not economically recognised. Education can break such stereotypes and expose girls to equal opportunities for building their career and thus contribute to the economic development of the country.

Choose the Best NGO in India to Make a Real Difference

NGOs play a crucial role in promoting the education of girls and thus minimising the gender gap in education and professional jobs. However, they need your support to extend their service to wider areas… and reach more people. Identifying the best NGOs in India is crucial to ensure that your donation is used efficiently and effectively. Through careful research and evaluation, understand their mission and choose the one that keeps transparency in their financial activities.

Feed Children with Akshaya Patra

Akshaya Patra is one of the best NGOs in India dedicated to work for child welfare. The organisation serves hot, tasty and nutritious meals to schoolchildren and thus ensures their health and education. Currently, we are feeding over 2 million children every day. Our mission is to feed 3 million by 2025. Through 71 kitchens spread across 16 states and 2 UTs, we are striving to reach students even those living in the most difficult terrain. Winning the ICAI’s Goldshield Award for ‘Excellence in Financial Reporting’ for seven consecutive years puts Akshaya Patra among the best NGOs in India, which enhance the donor’s confidence.

This National Girl Child Day, let’s embark on the journey of building a strong nation by empowering girls through education. Ensure their well-being and brings a positive impact in society.

Donate to Akshaya Patra and avail tax exemption.