AAP KI RASOI, a noble initiative of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, has come to the rescue of thousands of people affected by floods in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. AAP KI RASOI program under ‘Bhagidari scheme’ has come forward for providing free meals to the flood affected victims.

On Wednesday more than 200 people were evacuated from the banks of the Yamuna in the capital as the water level in the river touched an alarming level of 205.70 metres. With this, a total of over 1,500 people have been shifted to around 160 relief camps set up by the government. The river had crossed the danger level of 204.83 metres last week following heavy and continuous rains.

On 25th August, the foundation provided 350 meals to victims at the Yamuna bazaar and Jagatpura Village. The administration, being pleased by the quantity and quality of food supplied, requested Akshaya Patra Foundation to thereby continue to provide 1000 free meals to the affected. The foundation has promptly responded and has started supplying 1050 hot cooked meals to the affected areas including Burari Pump House and Vijay Ghat.

Heavy rains continued in the capital till noon on Tuesday, making it the fifth consecutive day of heavy rainfall. Several low-lying residential areas along the Yamuna riverbank were flooded.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the largest NGO serving school meals (mid-day meals) in government run schools of India. The behemoth program is a strategic intervention in education which today serves nutritious mid-day meals to about 12,28,580 school children in 18 locations in 8 states in the country.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation also provides free mid-day meals to the destitute population in NCTof Delhi.

On a sunny morning of Sunday, a community of bloggers from the city of joy woke up to gather around for a cause. A cause focused at feeding 5 million under-privileged children by the end of this decade. Over 100 bloggers from Kolkata and around trickled in to support Akshaya Patra Foundation, the world’s largest NGO-run school mid day meal programme in continuing their magical endeavour of feeding almost 1.3 million kids across 18 locations in India. An initial attempt by this community of internet enthusiasts was to put their voice into words, not by typing on a computer screen, but by using spray paint onto a huge plain white graffiti board placed on the stage. One of the messages, loud and clear was “Get them out of jobs… Get them into schools”. The gathering consisted of bloggers from diversified fields. Some wrote personal blogs while the others focused on technical developments. A few others seemed to have passion in art and literature. However each one present had a common fervor…a common cause to support Akshaya Patra and help the foundation to reach out and fight hunger and poverty.

IndiBlogger.In, a community of 25,000 Indian bloggers spread across the world, brought together over 100 members of their community. A huge contribution concealed in a non-contemporary fashion as the core objective of IndiBlogger.In is to understand, measure and promote the Indian blogging culture and thereby bringing the community to blog for a noble cause.

Click here to view the Photo Gallery of Akshaya Patra Indiblogger meet in Kolkata

The platform for the Indiblogger meet in Kolkata was firmly set by Infinity Infotech Parks Ltd, a collaboration of great minds who have helped Akshaya Patra in walking an extra mile in the journey so far. Mr. Pulak Chamaria, President and Executive Director of Infinity graced the occasion with his presence. “Communities such as these coming together to support the vision of Akshaya Patra Foundation is overwhelming” he said. Mr. Suparno Moitra, Regional Manager, NASSCOM, who has been a well-wisher of Akshaya Patra also spoke on the occasion and said “It is each one of our responsibility to go back home and get at least 2 supporters for Akshaya Patra which would help in increasing the supporter base for Akshaya Patra”.

An inspiring video of a speech delivered by Mr. N R Narayan Murthy, Founder-Chairman of Infosys Technologies Ltd engaged the audience and provided them with more insight about the Foundation. Interactive activities as a part of the half-day event encouraged several bloggers to be enthusiastic of volunteering for Akshaya Patra. “I am very excited about volunteering for Akshaya Patra. I would go back home and write blogs about the good work being done by the foundation” said one of the bloggers who attended the meet.

The event concluded with a flavor of music revolving around children by ‘Five Little Indians’ a popular rock band in Kolkata.