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President Murmu Lauds Akshaya Patra's 5 Billion Meals for Child Nutrition

President Droupadi Murmu launched celebrations marking the Akshaya Patra Foundation's service of 5 billion meals to school children. She emphasized that ensuring children receive quality education and nutritious food is a shared societal responsibility, foundational to building a developed India by 2047. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan attended the event, praising the foundation's civilizational ethos of service and its link to government schemes like PM POSHAN. The initiative, rooted in tradition and guided by spiritual figures, is recognized as a globally benchmarked model for addressing classroom hunger and supporting holistic child development.

Key Points: Akshaya Patra Serves 5 Billion Meals, Murmu & Pradhan Laud Effort

  • 5 billion meals served
  • Links nutrition to education
  • Foundation's 25-year service
  • Part of 'Viksit Bharat' vision
  • Public-private partnership model
3 min read

President Murmu commemorates 5 billion meals of Akshaya Patra Foundation

President Droupadi Murmu and Minister Dharmendra Pradhan celebrate the Akshaya Patra Foundation's milestone of serving 5 billion meals to school children.

President Murmu commemorates 5 billion meals of Akshaya Patra Foundation
"Serving 5 billion meals in the advancement of educational objectives is a remarkable achievement. - President Droupadi Murmu"

New Delhi, March 17

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday launched celebrations to commemorate 5 billion meals of Akshaya Patra Foundation and said that serving 5 billion meals in the advancement of educational objectives is a remarkable achievement of Akshaya Patra Foundation.

The theme of this event, 'From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India', underscored the significance of a nourished and educated society in realising our national resolve to build 'Viksit Bharat' by the year 2047, said an official statement.

The President said that a safe and bright future for our children is not solely the responsibility of the government, but a shared responsibility of us all. When teachers, parents, social organisations, the corporate sector, and every segment of society work together, then we lay a strong foundation for the coming generation.

"We must ensure that every child receives quality education, nutritious food, good health, and a clean and safe environment. These fundamentals enable holistic development of children," she said.

The President said that education is the instrument that determines the opportunities available in an individual's life and paves the way for their success.

It serves as an effective medium for transformation and empowerment. The process of empowerment and capacity-building begins to take shape from the very moment children start attending school, she said, adding that school equips children with the skills and experiences necessary to effectively navigate the challenges of daily life and to become responsible, conscientious citizens.

She commended Akshaya Patra Foundation for working continuously to address the issue of malnutrition among children and encourage them to pursue education by delivering mid-day meals to schools for the past 25 years.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who also attended the event, said on social media, "Honoured to attend the 25th anniversary of the @AkshayaPatra Foundation and celebrate the milestone of 5 billion meals, in the august presence of Hon'ble @rashtrapatibhvn Droupadi Murmu ji at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre."

The Minister said that the President highlighted that securing a bright future for our children is a shared national responsibility, with nutrition forming the bedrock of India's human capital.

"Rooted in the sacred Mahaprasad tradition of Jagannath, the Akshaya Patra initiative reflects India's civilisational ethos of seva - transforming faith into structured, large-scale public service. Guided by the vision of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and led by @madhupanditdasa and @CP_Dasa, it has evolved into a globally benchmarked model," he said.

"Under the leadership of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodiji, the convergence of National Education Policy 2020 and PM POSHAN Scheme is addressing classroom hunger while strengthening access, retention, and holistic development in education," Pradhan added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A remarkable achievement, no doubt. But we must also ask: is the mid-day meal scheme reaching every single child in need, especially in remote areas? The quality and nutritional value of the meals must be audited regularly. Celebration is good, but consistent, high-quality service is what truly matters.
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Aman W
Jai Ho! This is what makes India great - our tradition of 'seva' translated into massive, impactful work. Connecting it to the Mahaprasad of Jagannath Puri gives it such a beautiful cultural context. A well-nourished child is the first step towards a Viksit Bharat. Proud of this foundation!
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Sarah B
As someone who has volunteered with Akshaya Patra, the scale and efficiency of their operation is mind-blowing. It's not just about food; it's about dignity, education, and hope. The President's message about shared responsibility is so crucial. This model should be studied globally.
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Karthik V
Good step. But let's not forget the government's role is primary. While NGOs like Akshaya Patra do phenomenal work, the PM POSHAN scheme needs stronger implementation and budget allocation. We need this convergence the Education Minister talks about to work on the ground, in every village school.
N
Nisha Z
This news made my day! 🙏 When I was in school, the mid-day meal was sometimes the only proper meal for many of my classmates. It kept them in school. 25 years of service... salute to all the volunteers and donors. This is real nation-building.

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