Pithali is a student of standard four in the Khudradadhi Lower Primary school in Assam. She comes from a low income family where the average income per month is between Rs.2,500 and Rs.4,000. Her father works as a seasonal mason, and sometimes goes without work for as much as half a year. Her mother is employed making Mekhala Chadars, the traditional outfit of Assam. Pithali, though so young, starts her day at 6am since she helps her older sister with the household chores before attending school.
Pithali dreams of becoming as Assamese actress someday and travelling with her family. Right now she and all the girls of Khudradadhi are enrolled in the school, working their way to their personal goals. This was only possible because of the Akshaya Patra mid-day meal served in the school. In recent years agriculture as an occupation has been declining in the village in favour of other jobs like fishing or working in brick-kilns. This has reduced the choice of staples, fruits and vegetables available in the area. Though this has had a negative impact on the health of the children, the Akshaya Patra mid-day meal which lured the children to school is slowly working to improve their health.
Pithali especially enjoys Akshaya Patra’s food. “While I enjoy Akshaya Patra’s food on all days, I look forward to Wednesdays and Saturday’s especially. They give us pulao, khichdi and kheer – all of which are my favorites. At home, Ma doesn’t cook these delicacies. We can never afford to,” she says.
It is our hope that Pithali continues to strengthen her body and mind eating the Akshaya Patra mid-day meal so she can succeed in her dream of becoming an actress.
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