Akshaya Patra - Stories of Children

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an 18-year old mid-day meal NGO in India. This NGO began its journey with the vision that ‘No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.’ And, so far, it has quietened the hunger pangs among more than 17.6 lakhs children across 12 states of India. In the past 18 years, the Foundation has relentlessly provided freshly cooked, nutrition-rich, and locally palatable meals to school children and supported their health and schooling. The beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra come from challenging socio-economic backgrounds, yet they are full of vigour and determination that they will be successful in achieving their goals and living a better life. The dreams of these children are the real motivation behind Akshaya Patra’s dedicated and sustainable service. Here are a couple of children stories from among the millions that gets nourished and nurtured with wholesome meals and regular schooling.

"Hello! Myself, Uzair, a Standard IX student from Bengaluru. Babajan, my father is a TT Driver for the past 15 years and my mother is a homemaker. In all her prayers, she wishes that I become a big man and earn a fortune by working in a large company. Babajan always tells me that the key to good driving is smoothness, and the secret to smoothness is good preparation. I take his lessons and knit it with my dream as I prepare myself bit-by-bit each day to become a software engineer.

Software Engineer, according to my friends is only about data managing and computers. However, I think that it is more than just coding or programming. For me, it’s an opportunity to help others through the power of technology. And, that’s why I wish to be one such professional. I like Akshaya Patra food very much, specially rice and sambar. Even my parents are satisfied that I have a healthy lunch every day at school."

"Namaste! My name is Manisha Devipujak, a Standard VII student from Gujarat. I love my school very much because it has a room filled with books called the ‘Library’. I want to read all the books in the library. It takes me to a fascinating world of knowledge where I get to know many new things. From scientific mysteries to the finest of puzzles and crosswords, and the valuable life-lessons through the lenses of ground-breaking historical personalities - life is better with books!

I have three sisters and one younger brother. After the demise of our parents, we stay with our grandfather who is still in service. He is very supportive. When we miss our parents, he consoles us and makes us feel that it is sometimes okay to cry and release our emotions. Their blessings are always with us. Having faced the reality of lack of opportunity and resources, my grandfather believes that education is the only tool with which we can lead a thriving life. With this intention, he enrolled us in the school. I like reading and writing. I intend to be a teacher and inspire children to inculcate good values, morals, and build good character, which make life more valuable than knowledge itself. Akshaya Patra serves tasty school lunches every day. Khichadi, sabji, and thepla makes my favourite mid-day meal at school."

There are many such Akshaya Patra stories that reveal the grit and passion of these children that boosts them to cross hurdles and achieve their dreams. With your support, this NGO can expand its programme to benefit more children across the country. Join Akshaya Patra’s mission to feed 50-lakh children by 2025. Sponsor a child today!

Author Profile:

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a mid-day meal NGO in India serving more than 1.76 million children across 12 states of India. This meal helps children to attend school regularly and upholds their dreams and goals. Support school meals of children who rightfully deserve it.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is an Ngo in India providing food for 1.6 million school children across 12 States and 28 locations.