Akshaya Patra Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, working to eliminate hunger, as well as bring the kids to school, has reached as far as Dadra and Nagar Haveli, to serve hot and wholesome food to 51,000 children in 338 schools. According to a statement issued here on Wednesday, the organisation has collaborated with the MUFG Bank Ltd, the banking entity of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG), to commence mid-day meal feeding in Silvassa, the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.
This is the Foundation’s second kitchen, to be constructed with the support of MUFG, which would serve safe and nutritious meals for children in Government and Government-aided schools in the Union Territories of Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu. Speaking on the occasion, Junsuke John Koike – Regional Executive for MUFG in India and Sri Lanka, said, ‘Just as India and Japan have been working together to strengthen the infrastructure of India, it is our privilege to play part in developing the social infrastructure of the nation.
‘Through our ongoing partnership with Akshaya Patra, we will continue to work towards nurturing the next generation and providing the necessary conditions for children to attend school, raise their chances of success, and contribute to the growth of the country in the long run,’ he added.
According to Jaganmohan Krishna Dasa – President, Akshaya Patra (Gujarat), ‘This partnership will play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability that is integral to our endeavour and help us in reaching out to more children with tasty, hygienic, and nutritious meals on every school day.’
As the implementing partner of the Government of India’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Akshaya Patra has collaborated with 12 State Governments across the country for the programme, Mr Dasa added. Headquartered in Bengaluru, the organisation is the world’s largest (not-for-profit run) mid-day meal programme, serving wholesome food to over 1.76 million children from 15,668 schools across 12 states in India, he said.
Chanchalapathi Dasa, Vice-Chairman, Akshaya Patra and Renu Vijayanand, Managing Director & Head of Human Resources, among others, were present on the occasion. (UNI)
