US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard visits Akshaya Patra Vrindavan

Akshaya Patra was extremely thrilled to have the opportunity to host US Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard at the Vrindavan unit recently. The Congresswoman who was touring India visited Akshaya Patra Vrindavan where she was given a detailed explanation of the working of the organisation, and its Operation processes.

The Congresswoman was extremely impressed and appreciative of the work Akshaya Patra is doing in feeding 130,000 children in Vrindavan as well as over 1.4 million children from across India on every school day. Tulsi was also impressed with the roti (Indian flat bread) making machine in the Akshaya Patra Vrindavan kitchen which has the capacity to make up to 60,000 rotis in an hour.

Tulsi appreciated the impact Akshaya Patra has been able to achieve through this programme in combatting malnutrition and hunger. She listened to some inspiring stories of beneficiaries of the programme who have now moved on in life to achieve their goals, and have reached a respectable position in society.

Tulsi represents Hawaii’s 2nd Congressional District. She is also the first American Samoan and first Hindu to be elected to the United States Congress. She serves as the Military Police Company Commander of the Hawaii Army National Guard, and has served two combat tours in the Middle East.

Akshaya Patra values the opportunity to meet such a distinguished guest.

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Gift a child nutrition this Christmas

Christmas is around the corner and people are gearing up to celebrate the season of giving. Gifts are being bought, wrapped and placed under the tree, and preparations for delicious family meals are underway. The essence of the holiday season is generosity and camaraderie.

However there are millions of children across India who would love to celebrate a merry Christmas. Irrespective of state, gender, religion or age, children especially love festival seasons because of the happiness and excitement they see around them. How unfortunate that so many can only enjoy the festivities from afar.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation wants to make this Christmas season special for those children who don’t have access to even the basic requirements of proper nutrition. They are underserved, and still stay positive and excited taking in the festivities around them.

Akshaya Patra is reaching out to each of its well-wishers asking them to include the underserved, yet innocent, children into their holiday celebrations this year. For every gift you buy a loved one, think of those children whose parents have no money to spend on presents, and make a donation that can help change their lives.

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas by giving generously to those in need. If you would like to, make a Christmas donation , click to Donate Online

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Two Akshaya Patra kitchens win CII National Food Safety Awards 2014

Akshaya Patra was recently awarded the prestigious CII National Food Safety Award 2014, for both the Vasanthapura as well as the Hubli kitchen! The Vasanthapura kitchen received the highest level of awards for ‘Outstanding Performance in Food Safety’, while the Hubli kitchen was conferred the second highest award of ‘Certificate of Commendation for Significant Achievement in Food Safety.’

The award brings into focus those considered the ‘Best in Class’ in the manufacturing and food service business sector. It provides a means for organisations to gauge their position in the industry as well as provides a platform to gain national recognition.

Speaking on the occasion of receiving the awards, Muralidhar Pundla, Director-Quality at Akshaya Patra said. “Quality is of paramount importance at Akshaya Patra. It's an honour to receive this prestigious award from CII and that too, two awards in a single year. We at Akshaya Patra at the same time would like to keep our focus on Continual Improvement Programs to further strengthen our systems and processes to make sure that we can serve more children meals that they can relish every day.”

The award was given to Akshaya Patra by K. Chandramouli, Chairman, Food Safety & Standards Authority of India; Mayank Jalan, Co-Chairman, Food Processing Committee and Chairman and Managing Director, Keventer Agro Limited and Kevin D. Gallagher, FAO India representative. Receiving the award for Akshaya Patra were Yagneshwara Dasa, Muralidhar Pundla, Suresh Kumar, Arun Kumar and Prashanth MB.

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