The Akshaya Patra Foundation, whole heartedly welcomes Government declaration of coming up with a solution to address the problem of constantly declining child sex ratio in the country which is considered a serious problem.  It was declared on National Girl Child Day. Women and Child Development (WCD) Secretary Prem Narain said the Ministry is coming up with a national plan of action to improve child sex ratio through a concerted effort from most of ministries.

24 January is celebrated as the National Girl Child Day every year since 2008 by the Government of India. The primary objective of the National Girl Child Day is raising awareness and consciousness of the society towards the girl child. Akshaya Patra is also supporting towards achieving this objective.

Akshaya Patra is feeding school children to promote education.  It has brought down school drop-out rate and increased attendance in general, particularly the girl’s ratio. As the well known saying goes “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a family (nation).”Akshaya Patra is doing its part in providing equal access to women by feeding them in school. By providing mid-day meal the Foundation plays an important part in reducing the drop-out rates from school and attracting the students to stay in school.

In many cases parents are either not able to send their daughters to school or are forced to take them out of school in the absence of resources. Story of Jaithun, three sisters, Deepti and many other indicate towards the same where parents were motivated to send their daughters to school for a bright future and also due to the temptation that food served was very nutritious, filling and healthy.  All these stories had something in common and that is awareness and willingness of the parents to send their daughters to school. Meagre resources of parents were the only hindrance. This obstacle was removed by Akshaya Patra. Its one wholesome meal served to the children shaded off the burden of parents.

By doing so Akshaya Patra is aiding to build an atmosphere where education of girl child is considered equally important and they are given equal opportunity to rise up in life.  It is supporting the Government’s objective that girls are born, loved, nurtured and grow up to become empowered citizens of this country with equal rights and opportunities.

Akshaya Patra is grateful to all the girls and the parents who are sending their daughters to school and contributing in preparing the society where gender ratio no longer remains a matter of concern and it is ensured that every girl child is respected and valued in society.

Source:  Zee News India 

As a commemoration to their daughter Miss Ammanabrolu Akhila Sai Sri, Mr. Ammanabrolu Venkateswara Rao & Mrs. Ammanabrolu Lakshmi Kantam have made a donation to Akshaya Patra mid-day meal programme. She was born on 15 November 1993 at Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh. She was a Medical student, studying her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS-1^st year) at Sri Sai Dental College, Vikarabad. Besides being a bright student, she was a social, affectionate and helpful person who received appreciation from her family and friends.

Akhila was affected by an unknown virus resulting in quick deterioration of her health even before the eminent doctors could diagnose the real cause. Doctors did try their best to save her life but in vain. Akhila succumbed on 27^th December 2011, thus leaving a permanent scar in the hearts of her beloved parents, younger sister, relatives and friends. A budding doctor who had an ambitious plan to serve the society had left for abode so prematurely in her life shattering her own dreams and the dreams of her parents.

Through this column, Mr. & Mrs. Ammanabrolu on behalf of the entire family would like to appeal to all parents to take care of their children residing in hostels for pursuing higher education. They hope that their contribution could help the needy children for their bright future.

We at Akshaya Patra pray in silence for her soul to rest in peace. We sincerely thank Mr. & Mrs. Ammanabrolu for the contribution.