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.

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.