Here comes the festival of lights, Diwali! During this time, celebrants illuminate their house with candles, lamps, etc.

The celebration signifies the importance of nurturing the inner light within us because ultimately the festival is all about the victory of good over evil. Diwali, in essence, is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness.

There are several stories behind the celebration of Diwali. Each varies depending on the regional and cultural contexts.

Here are some well-known stories behind the celebration of Diwali.

Return of Lord Rama- Diwali is celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama’s royal return to Ayodhya with his wife, Sita and brother, Lakshmana after defeating the 10-headed demon king Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit lamps as a gesture to welcome them back after 14 years of exile.

The victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura- Yet another story in Hindu mythology is the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura and freed 16,000 girls who were under his captivity. The day before Diwali is commemorated as Naraka Chaturdashi, the day on which Lord Krishna killed Narakasura. As part of the festivity, people in various parts of India burn effigies of the two demon kings. Naraka Chaturdashi, also known as Chhoti Diwali. “Naraka” means hell and “Chaturdashi” means “fourteenth”. Many Hindus consider this as an auspicious occasion to pray and also conduct many rituals to get moksha for the departed souls.

Goddess Mahalakshmi- Another popular tradition that people follow during Diwali is worshipping goddess Lakshmi who is considered as the source of wealth and prosperity. This festival, believers also admire the romantic story of the goddess choosing Lord Vishnu as her husband on the night of Diwali. During this time, they conduct various pujas to entice the Goddess.

Celebrate India’s biggest festival by feeding children

Festivals are always the time for buying new clothes, accessories, gadgets, etc. During Diwali, people visit their dear ones, exchange gifts and enjoy spending time together. Sharing sweets is also a long-standing custom during Diwali, symbolizing the sweetness of life and the joy of giving. During these festive seasons, it’s crucial to keep in mind those who are in less fortunate circumstances and take action to help them.

There are numerous ways to make a positive impact on society. One way is to support the future generation of our nation by providing nutritious meals in schools, thereby empowering them for a better future.

Spread the light of kindness with Akshaya Patra

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an NGO for children that implements the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (previously known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme) in numerous schools across India. With an aim to eradicate classroom hunger, we have reached feeding over 2 million children on a daily basis. Children who belong to financially limited backgrounds often compromise on their education or even if they come to school they won’t be able to concentrate on classes due to hunger. Mid-Day Meal Programme ensures that they are having one nutritious meal every day.

This festival, gift children the power of nutrition. It helps them to develop their creativity and boosts their self-confidence. Thus, they can concentrate on their studies and perform well in academics, which in turn builds a mature generation who act responsibly on different social issues in the country.

Just like a diya transfers light to the next and so on, your kindness can brighten their lives and radiate goodness throughout the world, making it a better place.

Donate to charity and bring hope to children’s lives.

The Indian Government’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme (now called the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) is a transformative initiative that combines the power of education and nutrition to make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of children in India. Recognising the critical link between adequate nutrition and effective learning, the scheme aims to provide wholesome and nutritious meals to schoolchildren, thereby addressing the dual challenges of hunger and education. With a mission to ensure that no child is deprived of education due to hunger, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, an NGO in India, ensures effective implementation of the government scheme, emerging as a beacon of hope, nourishing minds and nurturing futures through the transformative power of mid-day meals.

The power of a mid-day meal

Improved attendance: Mid-day meals (MDM) ensure improved attendance and participation. Hunger often deters children from attending school regularly, hindering their educational progress. By offering meals at school, MDM incentivises students to attend classes regularly and ensures they have the energy to focus on their studies. When children are well-fed, they are more likely to engage actively in the learning process, leading to improved academic performance.

According to the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2018, the scheme increased overall enrolment by 5% and reduced dropouts by 20%. Furthermore, ASER data from 2019 indicates that 95% of enrolled children in government schools availed of the mid-day meal, contributing to improved attendance rates.

Enhanced well-being: By providing balanced meals, Akshaya Patra helps combat malnutrition and enhance the overall health of children. Healthy children are more resilient, have a lower risk of illness and are better equipped to participate actively in their education. By nourishing young minds, food for education programmes empower children to reach their full potential and cultivate a lifelong love for learning.

Reducing financial burden: By serving mid-day meals (MDM), Akshaya Patra alleviates the financial burden on families to provide meals for their children; this incentivises families to send their children to school every day. The improved health and educational outcomes of children lay the foundation for sustainable development, empowering communities and paving the way for a more inclusive society. By enabling them through meals for education, the NGO unlocks doors to endless opportunities.

Overcoming gender barriers: In many parts of India, girls face cultural and socio-economic barriers to accessing education. By providing nutritious meals at school, the PM POSHAN Scheme helps break down these barriers and encourages parents to send their daughters to school. The provision of meals not only incentivises regular attendance but also assures parents that their daughters will receive proper nourishment, addressing concerns about their well-being.

A study by the World Food Programme (WFP) found that every $1 invested in school meals can yield a return of $3-$10 in economic returns through increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.

Providing mid-day meals has revolutionised the intersection of education and nutrition in India. Through their unwavering commitment, expansive reach and nutritious meal offerings, Akshaya Patra along with the support from its donors and the government, has transformed the lives of millions of children. By ensuring that children receive regular meals at school, the scheme not only addresses hunger but also paves the way for improved attendance, enhanced educational outcomes and the holistic development of young minds.

By:
Arya Nair
Mohit Sharma
Harshal Singh