Initially called the Joy of Giving Week, Daan Utsav is India’s ‘Festival of Giving’ that was launched in 2009. It is celebrated every year commencing on 2nd October and concluding on 8th October. Thousands of people have come, time and again, to give back to the society and the community.
“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”
Mahatma Gandhi
People who want to involve themselves in philanthropic acts do every little thing possible from their end. They come up with many creative ways to lend a helping hand to support the cause closest to their heart.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought millions of people together to help those in need.
690 million people around the globe are affected by hunger. By the end of 2020, the COVID-19 crisis could further drive over 130 million more into chronic hunger.
NGO’s all over the world and in India have come forward to help people affected by the pandemic.
Akshaya Patra’s COVID-19 Food Relief Efforts
The Akshaya Patra Foundation began its COVID-19 Relief Service on 25th March 2020 and has served over 8.2-crore meals in the last six months. This NGO is currently serving freshly cooked meals and distributing grocery kits and happiness kits across India.
• Cooked meals
Freshly cooked, nutritious meals are provided to the poor and marginalised sections of the society. So far, a total of 4,92,78,886 meals have been served to daily-wage workers, labourers, needy people at old-age homes and night shelters. Nutritious meals upkeeps health and immunity of the needy.
• Grocery Kits
The pandemic resulted in economic slowdown and loss of jobs, leaving millions helpless. Neither they had any source of income nor enough savings to sustain themselves and their families.The distribution of grocery kits by the NGO have supported 8,27,545 families thus far.
• Happiness Kits
The Happiness Kits Programme was initiated to support the food and education of mid-day meal beneficiaries. Each happiness kit supports nutrition, immunity, hygiene and education of children. So far, a total of 40,551 mid-day meal beneficiaries have been benefitted.
Ways to contribute in this Joy of Giving Week 2020
Your contribution to Akshaya Patra will give hope to millions of people in this Daan Utsav 2020. You can support our cause and experience joy by:
• Donating online
• Being vocal on social media
• Conducting fundraising campaigns
This Daan Utsav, support people in need because “Happiness is not a goal. It is a by-product of a life well-lived.” Eleanor Roosevelt.
