In the final part of this interview series, R Madan Chief Projects Officer of The Akshaya Patra Foundation summarises his experience at the Earthquake Relief Centralised Kitchen in Nepal, and contemplates the future. Read the previous section of the interview here.

Tell us about the collaboration between Tata Trusts and Sipradian Sahayata Sanstha.

As I said both Tata Trusts and Akshaya Patra didn’t have a mandate to operate in Nepal, but Sipradian Motors who have an NGO arm called Sipradian Sahayata Sanstha (SSS) have a great presence in the region. Their help was crucial to paving the way for the project to run smoothly. The collaboration between the three of these organisations (Akshaya Patra, Tata Trusts and SSS) went off well. Now if we get the opportunity to start something in Nepal, Sipradian can be our ready partner.

Can we look forward to such collaborations in future?

Yes, we do see more collaboration with them. Nepal doesn’t have a Mid-Day Meal Programme, so the implementation of such programmes will be helpful to the people.

What are the high points of your experience?

One of the high points was that we were able to play a part in reducing the distress of the people. With their daily food taken care of, they could take focus on reconstruction.

We stood true to our word and earned the goodwill of the people.

 P.S – The Nepal kitchen closed operations as planned on September 17, 2015 after serving 1.4 million meals across 88 days in the region. The Akshaya Patra Foundation thanks everyone involved in making this initiative a success.

Children’s dreams know no bounds. Some aspire to be astronauts or pilots, others envision becoming doctors or movie stars. Regardless of race, caste or economic background, all children in their heart of hearts dream of achieving something great. Sadly not enough children in developing countries receive the opportunity to actually make their dreams come true.

At The Akshaya Patra Foundation we work tirelessly to ensure that children are given the support they need to be able to attend school and achieve their goals. By addressing their need for food, Akshaya Patra also helps address their need for education. Through this programme we at the organisation have seen children blossom before our eyes, and revelled in the enthusiasm of young athletes, police officers, doctors, teachers, actors and much more.

This International Literacy Day we appeal to you to join with us so that you can be a part of these magical journeys too. Support a child’s meals for a year or more, and keep a child in school. Remember every child you help educate is another dream coming true.