Akshaya Patra’s New Gorakhpur Kitchen: A Bigger Step Towards Ending Classroom Hunger

What is the best way to protect the future of a country? There is only one answer to this: by ensuring its children’s right to nutrition and education. This is why every step towards addressing classroom hunger creates a bigger impact not just for children today, but for the future they will build.

Committed to this belief, Akshaya Patra has taken another step forward with the inauguration of its centralised kitchen in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Built to bring nutritious meals to more children in the region, the new kitchen will help the organisation serve thousands more children under PM POSHAN (The Mid-Day Meal Programme).

A bigger kitchen. A bigger impact.

Why Gorakhpur Needed a Larger Kitchen?

The story of the Akshaya Patra kitchen in Gorakhpur began in August 2019, as the Foundation’s 50^th kitchen in India. Started by serving meals to approximately 5,000 children, the programme had such a huge impact that the organisation built a temporary facility to increase its reach to 17,000 children.

The growing need made one thing clear – a larger, permanent kitchen is essential.

On 25 June 2026, this became a reality. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, inaugurated the expanded kitchen, which has the capacity to serve one lakh meals. Initially, it serves meals to 55,000 children across 546 schools and will further expand to children across 1,570 schools.

The Menu follows the government’s nutrition guidelines.

Monday	Roti,  Mixed vegetable curry and soya chunks
Tuesday	Plain rice, lauki chana daal or mixed dal
Wednesday	Mixed vegetable curry, tehari and kheer
Thursday	Roti, aloo and kabuli chana sabji
Friday	Mixed vegetable curry, tehari and kheer
Saturday	Plain rice, vegetable Jalfrezi/ Mysoor Sambaar

Around 190 employees work together to ensure every meal is cooked safely, packed hygienically and delivered on time.

A Stronger Step Towards Supporting Children Across Uttar Pradesh

The new Gorakhpur kitchen is more than an expansion in capacity it strengthens Akshaya Patra's efforts to support children across one of India's most populous states. As the kitchen gradually expands its reach to more schools, it will play an important role in ensuring that thousands more children receive nutritious mid-day meals every school day.

Its significance becomes even clearer in the context of Uttar Pradesh, which is home to approximately 19% of India's child population. A state with a larger population than many countries like Brazil, Bangladesh and Russia, it has children below the age of 18 who make up nearly 45% of its population (based on the 2011 Census). In a state where children constitute nearly half the population, ensuring access to nutritious meals is both an urgent need and a long-term investment in its social and economic development.

Reaching Children Sustainably

Preparing meals is only half the effort. Delivering them fresh and on time is equally important. To make this possible while reducing the environmental impact, the Gorakhpur kitchen operates a fleet of 23 electric vehicles. Supported by route optimisiation and GPRS tracking, these vehicles ensure meals reach schools efficiently every day while lowering the carbon footprint.

Strengthening the Mid-Day Meal Programme Across Uttar Pradesh

Apart from Gorakhpur, Akshaya Patra implements the Mid-Day Meal Programme in seven locations.

Locations	Kitchen Capacity
Lucknow	1,00,000
Vrindavan	1,00,000
Gorakhpur	1,00,000
Mant	20,000
Varanasi	65,000
Barsana	5,000
Gautam Buddh Nagar	20,000
Kanpur	2,000

One Meal Can Change More than a Day

Does the promise of one nutritious meal really create lasting change? The answer can be seen in classrooms across the country.

For many families facing economic challenges, mid-day meals become an important reason to send children to school every day.  By serving nutritious meals, we can create an opportunity for children to stay in school, continue learning and build a better future.

So, how far these children from limited socio-economic backgrounds go is the progress report of what we do today.

The opportunity we create for them is the litmus test of our commitment to the next generation. Every charity donation helps serve mid-day meals and move India closer to a vision where no child is deprived of education because of hunger.

When a meal becomes a father’s dream for his child

 A father’s responsibility is often measured in quiet moments.

The early mornings. The long commutes. The sacrifices that never make it into family photo albums. The countless decisions taken with one simple question in mind: "Will this help my child have a better future?"

Across India, millions of fathers carry this responsibility every single day. They work tirelessly to provide food, education and opportunities for their children. Yet for many families facing financial hardship, ensuring a nutritious meal every day remains a challenge.

This is where a simple plate of food becomes something much bigger.

At The Akshaya Patra Foundation, every meal served carries a father's responsibility because it helps fulfil a promise that every parent wants to keep: that their child will not have to learn on an empty stomach.

A nourishing meal today reflects the care, commitment and hope every father wishes to provide for his child.

If fathers could write a daily to-do list

What do you think would be on it?

• Keep my child healthy.
• Make sure they attend school.
• Help them learn and grow.
• Give them opportunities I never had.
• Ensure they never go hungry.

Simple goals. Powerful goals.

Now imagine trying to achieve all of them while managing rising living costs, uncertain incomes and household expenses.

For many families, school meals become a vital support system. They ease a burden that fathers and mothers often carry silently and allow children to focus on what they should be doing at school: learning, playing and dreaming.

The power of one meal

Let's play a quick game.

Imagine a classroom of 30 children.

Now imagine five of them arriving without breakfast.

Ten struggling to concentrate because hunger keeps interrupting their lessons.

A few wondering when they will eat next.

Learning becomes difficult when hunger occupies the mind.

A nutritious mid-day meal changes this picture. It brings children together, supports their physical development and encourages regular school attendance.

The result?

More attention in class.

Better participation.

Greater confidence.

Stronger futures.

One meal may seem small, but its impact stretches far beyond lunchtime.

A father's greatest wish

Ask fathers anywhere in the world what they want for their children and the answers are surprisingly similar.

"I want them to study well."

"I want them to be healthy."

"I want them to succeed."

"I want them to have opportunities."

Nutrition plays a crucial role in each of these aspirations.

When children receive nourishing meals, they are better equipped to learn, engage with their education and build the foundations for future success. Every meal becomes a stepping stone towards achieving the dreams that parents hold for their children.

The invisible partnership

Here is something beautiful to think about.

When a donor contributes towards a meal, they become part of an invisible partnership.

A father works hard to support his family.

A mother manages countless responsibilities at home.

Teachers dedicate themselves to educating young minds.

And compassionate donors help ensure that hunger does not stand in the way.

Together, they create an ecosystem of care around a child.

No single person carries the entire responsibility alone.

And that makes all the difference.

More than food on a plate

A freshly served meal is not just nourishment.

It is reassurance.

It tells a child:

"You matter."

"You are cared for."

"Your future is important."

For a parent, it offers comfort knowing that their child has access to a wholesome meal while at school.

For a community, it strengthens the belief that collective action can create meaningful change.

What responsibility looks like

Responsibility is often associated with grand gestures.

But sometimes, responsibility looks like a warm meal served at the right time.

Sometimes, it looks like a child staying in school because hunger no longer distracts them.

Sometimes, it looks like a donor choosing to make a difference in someone else's life.

At The Akshaya Patra Foundation, millions of meals are served with this spirit every day.

Each meal represents care.

Each meal represents opportunity.

Each meal represents hope.

And each meal carries a father's responsibility the unwavering commitment to give every child the chance to learn, grow and dream without hunger standing in the way.

Be part of the responsibility

Every child deserves the opportunity to pursue their education with confidence and dignity.

By supporting mid-day meal initiatives, you can help strengthen families, support education and contribute to a future where no child has to choose between hunger and learning.

Because when a child receives a nutritious meal, it is never just food.

It is care shared.

Responsibility fulfilled.

And a future nourished.

Food Safety Day: How Akshaya Patra Ensures Safe, Nutritious Meals

 

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine by thy food,” said Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician known as the father of Western medicine. However, the modern world continues to grapple with the growing challenge of unsafe food.

According to the World Health Organisation, each year worldwide, unsafe food causes 600 million cases of foodborne diseases and 4,20,000 preventable deaths, of which 30% of foodborne deaths occur among children under the age of five. [Source: https://www.who.int/activities/estimating-the-burden-of-foodborne-diseases?] This becomes a major challenge that impedes the socio-economic development of a country.

Safe food, always a priority

World Food Safety Day –  A Call for Safe Food for Safe Life

Understanding this, the United Nations General Assembly, jointly with the World Health organisation and Food and Agriculture Organisation, established June 7 as World Food Safety Day to raise awareness and prevent, detect and manage food-borne risks.

This year, the theme is ‘From Burden to Solutions - Safe food everywhere, emphasising on collective action and science-based solutions to prevent food-borne diseases.

How Akshaya Patra Ensures Food Safety?

The Akshaya PatraFoundation is a not-for-profit organisation that serves mid-day meals under The Government of India’s PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Programme). Behind the trust that millions have placed on this organisation is the food safety standards they religiously follow, which are set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Their chain of centralised kitchens that spans across India is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities. A few of the safe food practices are below.

v  Quality check during procurement of raw materials

The organisation follows a Safety and Quality Management System that covers various processes like supplier selection, supplier qualification, supplier rating etc. This ensures that the purchases of raw materials have met all the requirements.

v  Hygienic storing and handling of raw materials

Food Corporation of India supplies the rice. They wash and machine-clean it before cooking. Fresh vegetables are procured daily and stored in the cold storage after thorough cleaning. They follow methods such as FIFO (First In First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out), which enable them to identify, store and retrieve in the appropriate manner and thus ensure the freshness of the raw materials.

v  Safe meal preparation

All the kitchen equipment is sterilised using steam before cooking. The cauldrons and vessels used in kitchens are made of 304-grade stainless steel, which is best for safe cooking.

v  Packing and transportation

The cooked food is packed in steam-sterilised stainless steel vessels. Then, these are loaded to steam-sterilised vehicles, which are specially designed with a puffed body to minimise temperature loss and a honeycomb structure to hold the vessels upright, thus maintaining the freshness of the meals till they are served to children. They also adopt methods like GPRS and route optimisation to ensure the safety of vehicles and on-time delivery.

v  Post delivery process

Taking feedback from schools is important for the effective implementation of MDM and making improvements. Quality officers take action as per the feedback. The organisation also takes initiatives to educate children about hygiene practices and food safety, such as distributing Do’s and Don’ts pamphlets on schools.

By sticking to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and implementing monthly audits and surprise audits, the organisation keeps a scrutinising eye on every stage of the process.

v  Continual Improvement Methods

Consistence and sustainability are important to improve the quality of mid-day meals and effective implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Programme (MDM). Under the ‘AkshayaPragathi,’programme, the organisation implements Kaizen, CI Projects and Six Sigma methodologies for innovation and improvements.

How Akshaya Patra Ensures Safe Food in their Decentralised Kitchen Models?

Akshaya Patra employs decentralised kitchen models in places that are difficult to reach due to challenging geographic terrain and improper road connectivity. Here, meals are prepared by women in Self Help Groups who are trained. They cook meals under the guidance and supervision of Akshaya Patra, ensuring safety and strengthening communities.

Commit to Safe Food, for us and for Everyone

 ‘Food safety is everyone’s business.’

This slogan of Food Safety Day highlights the importance of collective participation in ensuring safe food for everyone. In the current world, the public health burden strangles the world economy. From farm to table, there is a holistic network of production, supply chain and consumption that demands everyone’s involvement.

This World Food Safety Day, let us remember that safe food is not a privilege but a necessity. By supporting organisations like Akshaya Patra, you can nourish children and support their education. You can donate online and support their vision – No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.

Akshaya Patra Fuelling Aspirations in Andhra Pradesh

 The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit entity serving mid-day meals (MDM) to 2 million+ government school children of India every single school day. The promise of zero classroom hunger first made in 2000, is yielding results across 67 locations in 15 states and 2 union territories today.

The Government of India mandated the execution of the Mid-Day Meal or MDM Programme (now PM POSHAN Abhiyaan) across the country to incentivise education in government schools. Akshaya Patra, among several other NGOs, became the implementing partner for the MDM programme and has relentlessly addressed classroom hunger ever since. The NGO has also proactively provided food assistance to people during emergencies like floods, rainstorms, droughts and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

NGO in Andhra Pradesh

Akshaya Patra has its largest presence in two of the 15 states it serves. Andhra Pradesh is one of them, with the NGO’s state-of-the-art, centralised kitchens addressing classroom hunger across its 10 locations. 

Akshaya Patra’s association with the state started in 2008 with its centralised kitchen in Visakhapatnam. Today, it has become a well-acclaimed NGO in Andhra Pradesh, nourishing 1.3 lakh+ children from humble backgrounds in Kakinada, Mangalagiri, Nellore, Ghambiram, Gudivada, Srikakulam, Kuppam, Ongole and Kalyandurg.

Recently, the Ghambiram kitchen in Visakhapatnam was certified with ISO 22000:2018. The unit prepares 16 tonnes of rice, 12 litres of dal or sambar and 300 kg of curry every cycle. Despite the enormous amount of food being cooked in the kitchen, its hygiene, quality and safety are not compromised.

These kitchens come to life at 4 in the morning every day and finish cooking by 8.30 AM. But before that, the raw materials are sorted and cleaned thoroughly, and the vessels are sterilised with steam. Customised insulated delivery vehicles then deliver the prepared meals to allotted government schools. Such a setup keeps the food hot and retains its freshness until it reaches the children. 

What goes on the plate?

Pappucharu (a type of sambar), green leafy vegetable dal (lentil curry), rice, sweet pongal (a rice-based sweet dish), vegetable biryani (a popular rice dish), pulihora (tamarind rice), sambar (a mixed vegetable and lentil curry), vegetable curry, raitha (a curd-based side dish), janthikalu (a South Indian savoury snack) and bananas are cyclically served to beneficiary children in Andhra Pradesh every school day. The state government has carefully designed the menu for the Mid-Day Meal Programme to cater to the palatal preferences of these children. Accordingly, Akshaya Patra procures raw materials from approved suppliers, which undergo stringent checks for quantity and quality before being accepted into the kitchen. 

The NGO in Andhra Pradesh follows a rice-based menu in for regional 

acceptability and less food wastage. Additionally, the different components of the meal served ensure that children consume government-approved, balanced proportions of nutrients each day.

Nurturing a compassionate society

Like all Akshaya Patra kitchens, the kitchens in Andhra Pradesh also operate on Public-Private Partnerships and receive government support to run the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan. Through the years, generous contributions from donors have helped the NGO deliver nutritious and safe meals to lakhs of children in thousands of schools, thus incentivising them to come to school, study and excel in areas of their interest. 

A donation of ₹1,500 to Akshaya Patra can provide regular and wholesome meals to a government school student for an entire academic year. These children will then grow up to be qualified professionals in various fields but also be generous and compassionate because of the help they receive as children.

So, let’s join hands and rise together!

Donate online to Akshaya Patra from the comfort of your home to fuel dreams and transform millions of futures!

How to decide which NGO to support?

 Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are nonprofit groups of people or institutions that operate on a global, national or local level independently to advance socioeconomic objectives and welfare of the people.

There are two categories of NGOs:

Operational NGOs: These groups concentrate on developing and carrying out development initiatives.

NGO advocacy groups: These groups support or advance a certain cause.

Some NGOs can function as both operational and advocacy NGOs.

Since it is difficult to personally cater to the needs of vulnerable communities, many people donate to NGOs, making an indirect yet a very important contribution to the community in which they live. With lakhs of active non-profit organisations to choose from, it is advised to exercise caution while making donations to NGO fundraising efforts if you want to direct your financial resources towards a cause.

NGOs are crucial to society because they support a wide range of issues, including education, poverty reduction, environmental protection and human rights. NGOs frequently focus on tackling certain social, economic and environmental challenges and strive to improve society. An excellent method to make a difference and support the causes you care about is to support an NGO.

Supporting the right NGO is crucial—be it the pursuit of a cause that matches with your beliefs or be it having a positive impact on the world.

How to check the authenticity of NGOs?

Since non-profit organisations cannot turn a profit, they solicit donations in order to maintain or expand their programmes and continue making an impact. If you wish to donate money, you must first get well-versed with the cause; i.e., comprehend the seriousness of the problem the NGO is attempting to solve and the impact and importance of the solution.

In order to fulfil our moral obligation to those in need, it is our duty as humans to support the welfare efforts—one way of doing this is by assisting nonprofit organisations.

Here are some justifications for your support of NGOs. 

• The cause is honourable. 

• It is a means of contributing to society.

• You have the chance to assist those in need.

• You have the opportunity to express sympathy, empathy and compassion.

• Spiritual fulfilment is the result.

There are various NGOs that work in a variety of fields. Find an NGO that promotes a cause you can get behind and that resonates with you.

Here are a few questions that will help you decide which NGO you should support: 

1.What share of your donation is utilised for the cause?

 The NGO should devote at least 80% of your donation to the subject it supports.  

2.Do you have access the outcome of your donation?

Pay attention to where your money is going, even a little bit of it. Be ready to assess the results of your humanitarian work. A good NGO will always pay attention to transparency and accountability. It will put the details of donations received and programme/administrative expenditure in public domain through annual reports and official website to ensure that donors know how their money is being spent.

3.What are the qualities of a genuine NGO?

A true NGO should uphold the policies set by the administration.  It will also provide you with a receipt for your donations. You could use this receipt as proof that you recently gave money to an authorised, registered NGO. A real NGO would always register under 80G Certification, which may allow donors to simply acquire a tax exemption.  

4.What motivates donors to make donation?

A good and successful NGO has a clearly defined set of goals, guiding ideals and ethos that motivates donors to make donations.

5.What are the characteristics of a genuine NGO?

One of the key characteristics of a genuine NGO is having a positive relationship with the donors. A genuine NGO operates with complete accountability, transparency and democracy and will constantly consider the ideas and opinions of each group member during discussions and brainstorming sessions.  

Regardless of the niche they occupy or their operational scale, NGOs play a crucial role in ensuring the welfare efforts. However, they often find themselves relying on people’s inclination to give or do charity. That’s where your support comes into the picture. You may support NGOs like The Akshaya Patra Foundation that upholds the standard of its cause, making it one of the most trustworthy organisations in India to give to. With access to the two requirements of nutrition and education, your donation to the NGO will help children realise their full potential.

Making a difference through fundraising

The lifeline of any charitable organisation is funds. Their success depends on fundraising. Effective fund raising depends on selecting the appropriate strategies and tactics. Fundraising enables an NGO to finance its objectives, maintain efficient operations, achieve financial stability, ensure sustainability and cover administrative expenses.

Fundraising initiatives foster unity, inspire teamwork and advance a common objective. Through this effort, people come together, the NGO grows stronger and is motivated to carry out its objective and uplift the community.

It is a crucial part of a nonprofit's development or impact plan, regardless of how big or small it is. Donations to nonprofits today are like an investment for a better tomorrow. For the majority of NGOs, donations are the primary source of funding for their operational and programme costs. 

Through fundraising, fundraisers also promote the programmes of the organisation which allows donors to be directly involved with the cause. This enables NGOs to carry out their initiatives and help in capacity building or scaling up to benefit even more people. 

A 33% donor base from the general public can be obtained through fundraising, which qualifies your organisation as a public charity. Building your donor list and creating a database with contact information for your donors can let you spread more information and use their support for future events. A nonprofit has the chance to improve its message through fundraising and determine what works and what doesn't. 

Since non-profits don't generate any revenue and are solely dependent on donations for funding, fundraising is essential to their survival. The relationship between donors and nonprofit organisations is balanced because donors support them financially and believe in their mission. To accomplish their objectives and succeed in the field of social work, NGOs need funds.

By generating more revenue through fundraising, NGOs can expand their services, hire more staff members, recruit more volunteers and serve more communities. An effective technique to raise money and support if your nonprofit programme has more ambitious goals is through a fundraising campaign. NGOs like The Akshaya Patra Foundation and more depend on fundraising for the implementation of their programmes.

Donate on ganesh chaturthi

 Akshaya Patra runs the Mid-Day Meal Programme for school children. This Ganesh Chaturthi, make an online donation and help us make a difference by continuing to serve children.

Know more: https://www.akshayapatra.org/donate-on-ganesh-chaturthi

The Significance of Girl Child Education and Mid-Day Meals

 In the diverse tapestry of India, where traditions intermingle with progress, the importance of girl education stands as a beacon of hope and progress. The nation's path to prosperity depends heavily on the inclusion and empowerment of its female population. While India has made substantial strides in education, gender disparities persist, making the role of NGOs and initiatives like the PM POSHAN Programme (earlier called the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) crucial. This article explores the pivotal significance of girl education in India, the impactful role played by NGOs and the transformative influence of the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan on girl children and their education.

The Current Landscape of Girl Child Education in India

Despite notable advancements in multiple sectors, India continues to grapple with disparities in access to education, predominantly along gender lines. Several factors contribute to this persistent inequality, encompassing cultural norms, economic constraints and deeply ingrained societal biases. Consequently, many girls across India confront formidable obstacles on their path to acquiring quality education.

Statistics reveal the stark reality of gender-based disparities in education:

• The National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) data indicates that nearly 27% of Indian girls between the ages of 15 and 18 are not in school.

• The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2020 found that the gender gap in reading and math proficiency among children aged 14-18 is evident, with girls facing a significant disadvantage.

The Significance of Girl Child Education

The importance of girl education is multifaceted and has far-reaching implications for India's socio-economic development:

Economic Empowerment: Educated girls are more likely to secure gainful employment and contribute to their families' income, reducing the cycle of poverty.

Health and Well-being: Educated girls tend to make informed decisions about their health and family planning, leading to better maternal and child health outcomes.

Empowerment: Education equips girls with knowledge and confidence, enabling them to participate actively in their communities and advocate for their rights.

Reduced Child Marriage: Educated girls are less likely to be married off at a young age, fostering their personal and professional growth.

The Role of NGOs in Promoting Girl Education

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) play a pivotal role in advancing girl education in India. These organisations support government’s welfare programmes like the school feeding programme, anganwadi feeding, etc. These NGOs address root causes, eliminate barriers and champion the importance of educating girls. Through a spectrum of initiatives, charities contribute significantly to bridging the gender gap in education:

• Scholarships and Financial Support: Many NGOs provide scholarships that cover tuition fees, textbooks, uniforms and other essential school supplies, ensuring that girls have the resources needed to attend school regularly.

• Infrastructure Development: NGOs often collaborate with schools to improve infrastructure, build classrooms and establish safe and girl-friendly learning environments. These efforts create inclusive spaces where girls feel welcomed and encouraged to pursue their education.

• Community Awareness: NGOs engage in community outreach to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding girl education, encouraging parents and communities to support.

• Skill Development: Several NGOs focus on enhancing girls' life skills, making them more resilient and self-reliant.

• Mentorship Programmes: Some organisations provide mentorship programmes that connect girls with successful women in various fields, offering inspiration and guidance.

The Transformative Power of Mid-Day Meals 

One of India's most impactful initiatives, the MDM Scheme, has been instrumental in promoting girl education and alleviating the challenges faced by underprivileged children. The PM POSHAN Abhiyaan is implemented by many charities in India and one of the trusted organisation – The Akshaya Patra Foundation, has been feeding meals since 2000. It provides hot and nutritious meals to 2 million school-going children across 67 locations of the country. 

Its impact on girl children and their education is remarkable:

Increased Enrolment: The PM POSHAN Programme serves as a powerful incentive for parents to send their daughters to school. By providing a daily meal, it eases the financial burden on families and ensures that more girls attend school regularly.

Improved Nutrition: Malnutrition is a huge impediment to learning. The scheme addresses this issue by providing nutritious meals, enhancing the cognitive development of girls, enabling better focus on studies and improving academic performance.

Enhanced Concentration: Adequate nutrition helps children concentrate better in class, leading to increased attendance, participation and overall learning outcomes.

Gender Equality: By addressing the nutritional needs of girls, the MDM Scheme actively contributes to reducing gender-based disparities in education, fostering an environment of equality.

Social Inclusion: The shared experience of having meals together in school promotes social inclusion and breaks down barriers related to caste and class. It encourages girls from marginalised backgrounds to attend school, promoting a sense of belonging and unity.

As of 2021, the female literacy rate in India had improved, standing at 77.8%, according to the National Statistical Office (NSO).

The Economic Survey of India 2020-21 emphasised that girls' enrolment in elementary education has increased significantly, contributing to gender parity.

Girl education is not just a societal aspiration; it is a strategic imperative for India's holistic development. NGOs, alongside government programmes such as the PM POSHAN Programme, are playing pivotal roles in ensuring that every girl has access to quality education. It is the duty of the  society, individuals and organisations to recognise the transformative potential of educating girls and to support these initiatives through charitable donations.

Donate to a charity by investing in girl education. By doing so, you secure India’s future, nurture empowered leaders and contribute to the creation of a prosperous, inclusive and equitable society. The journey towards this goal necessitates collective action and a resolute commitment to bridging the gender gap in education, ultimately advancing the nation towards a brighter, more equal future.

Create stories of hope by nurturing children

 Children are the future change-makers. So, protecting every child’s dreams by ensuring quality education and health is important for the development of the country. Financial circumstances should not limit a child from achieving their dreams. Everyone should receive equal opportunities to pursue their interests and passions, irrespective of their socio-economic status.

The government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (previously known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme) is an important initiative to improve the nutritional status of children which corresponds with increase in attendance and enrolment. Society as a whole has a collective responsibility to ensure that no child is left behind in receiving opportunities to fulfil their dreams.

Akshaya Patra is an NGO dedicated to address classroom hunger and malnutrition among schoolchildren. Currently, with the support of the government, corporates, philanthropists, school authorities and well-wishers, the organisation is feeding over 2 million children every day. 

Here are some of the beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra who have clear dreams and ambitions.

Since his parents are farmers, they cannot provide him with breakfast regularly as they have to leave to work in the fields early in the morning. The meal that Akshaya Patra provides under the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (Mid-Day Meal Programme) is a huge relief to his parents, as it assures that their son is having nutritious meals at least one time daily.

His favourite subjects are Hindi and English.

She says, “I like to read and write in my free time. Even during lectures, I try to ask as many questions as possible.”

Without nutrition, no child can concentrate on their studies that is why Akshaya Patra ensures that children like Anita receive nutritious meals every day so that they have the requisite energy to study well and perform better in academics.

Shyam walks 1km every day to reach school. Though it is a bit tiresome, he doesn’t mind because, to him, his passion is more important and the school lunch provides him the strength to concentrate on his studies. Of the food that Akshaya Patra gives, his favourites are thepla, chana dal and khichidi.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is striving to reach as many children as possible to provide children the best childhood and education that can lead to a promising future. Through collaboration with different entities such as the government, corporations, philanthropists and individuals, the organisation aims to serve 3 million children by 2025.  One can participate in this endeavour of shaping the future of the country by visiting the Foundation’s website and making an online donation.

Raksha Bandhan: Extend the bond of love and care

 Raksha Bandhan holds great importance in Indian culture and tradition. Though the festival has evolved with time, the true essence of it is not lost. It still inspires people to come together and celebrate it with love and joy. It enables people to create special memories with their loved ones. This festival closely knit families together.

How Raksha Bandhan is celebrated traditionally

Raksha Bandhan is one of the major festivals celebrated in India. Special poojas (rituals) are conducted on the occasion and people wear ethnic clothes. Sisters apply a tilak (a distinctive spot of colored powder worn on the forehead) on their brother's forehead to start the celebration. This is then followed by the tying of a rakhi (sacred wristband) and the exchange of sweets and gifts. This festival is observed during Purnima - the day of the full moon. Brothers promise to look after their sisters and protect them, while sisters pray for the well-being of their brothers.

How you can share happiness this Raksha Bandhan

To extend the bond of love and care beyond the traditional way of celebrating Raksha Bandhan and rejoicing it differently, below are a few ways:

1. Storytelling session for children

There are numerous historical accounts of Raksha Bandhan. The well-known legends of Yama and the Yamuna, Krishna and Draupadi, Rani Karnavati and Emperor Humayun, Goddess Lakshmi and King Bali, Roxana and King Porus can be recited to children. Children enjoy reading and listening to stories, so why not choose ones that bring out the significance of the festivals.

2. Tie rakhi to healthcare professionals, housekeeping staff

Healthcare professionals, housekeeping staff are always on their toes ensuring that people lead their lives in comfort. Often they have to overcome some of their toughest difficulties while still delivering top-notch care. This Raksha Bandhan, healthcare professionals can be honoured by tying rakhi on their wrists. 

3. Pledge to protect nature

Humans owe nature a debt of gratitude. Since it has given so much to humankind, it is now our responsibility to give something in return. By promising to take care of nature and not exploiting them needlessly, one can serve as an example to others. What counts is the respect and homage humans show for nature.

4. Show love to animals 

It is the duty of humans to take care of animals and feed them. One can tie this "token of love" to animals, neighbourhood cats or dogs, or cows and make a promise never to hurt them and always take care of them.

5. Feed children in need

Raksha Bandhan’s spirit of love and care can be extended by promising to feed children who come from families with low socio-economic backgrounds. This festival, you can safeguard the lives of those in need and extend your circle of care by upholding children’s nutrition and education. Donations can be made to NGOs that work for children like The Akshaya Patra Foundation that provides nutritious mid-day meals every day under the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan. 

This Raksha Bandhan, ensure a beautiful present and a bright future for everyone. Your resolve to do something for others will increase the significance of this memorable day.