The
Akshaya Patra Foundation is an Indian NGO
implementing the Central Mid-Day Meal Scheme across Government schools. It was
initiated in the year 2000 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Initially it began feeding
in five Government schools of the Bengaluru city. Witnessing the overwhelming
response for the need of the programme, Akshaya Patra strategically began
expanding its operations to other parts of the state and eventually to other
states of India. Currently, Akshaya Patra is feeding Government school children of 24 locations across 10 states
namely: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha,
Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. In total, Akshaya Patra
feeds more than 1.4 million children every day across the country.
These beneficiaries come from humble
background but bring with them high aspirations. They are determined enough to
not let their unfavourable socio-economic status come as a hurdle when it is
the question of pursuing their dreams. At Akshaya Patra, each meal has its own
unique story. Hence, the NGO ensures that it provides nutritious, hygienic and
tasty food on each day. It also designs its menu based on the location to cater
to the local palate. For example: the menu of Akshaya Patra kitchen at
Karnataka will cater to South Indian palate whereas the menu item of Akshaya
Patra Gujarat will cater to North Indian palate.
Over the years of implementation of
mid-day meal, the Government of India along with partner NGOs has
witnessed positive impact on the growth, development and regularity to school
among children. Studies have also brought to fore that there has been increase
in enrolment and attendance, also decreasing the rate of dropout. Mid-Day Meal
Scheme has shown significant results in countering classroom hunger among
children. These positive alterations during the growth years of children give
them the confidence to lead a self-sustaining life in the future. It instils in
them the determination and certainty of being able to come out of the vicious
cycle of poverty, hunger and illiteracy.
