Akshaya Patra Articles

 Akshaya Tritiya has become synonymous with the purchase of gold and silver. People choose the day to invest in these precious metals with the belief that it is auspicious. While the general narrative seems to suggest the same, it is interesting to note that giving is an important part of Akshaya Tritiya rituals and customs. People observe giving in different forms since it is believed that donating to charity on this day reaps the rewards. With annadanam considered to be one of the most noble forms of giving on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, you can contribute to feeding the children by donating to Akshaya Patra, an NGO that supports the nutrition and education of children by ensuring their continued access to hot, tasty and nutritious mid-day meals every school day. Significance of Akshaya Tritiya As one of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, Akshaya Tritiya, also called Akti or Akha Teej, is observed by both Hindus and Jains across the globe. In Sanskrit, ‘Akshaya’ mea

 The Akshaya Patra Foundation, headquartered in Bengaluru, is an NGO in India dedicated to the welfare of children. Its primary role involves implementing the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Abhiyaan (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Programme) and thus protect children from malnutrition while ensuring they receive education. Through a network of 72 kitchens spanning across 16 states and 2 UTs, the organisation is currently feeding over 2 million children every day. Each of these kitchen operates in accordance with ISO guidelines, ensuring that the meals served to children are hygienic and safe.  Two models of kitchens the organisation adopts for effective implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Programme (MDM) are: 1. Centralised kitchens Centralised kitchens have the capacity to prepare 1,00, 000 meals per day. Every aspect of meal preparation, from procuring raw materials to the final delivery of cooked meals can be efficiently coordinated from a single point of control. These semi-au

 Every day, one comes across myriad societal issues such as malnutrition among children, homelessness, exploitation of street animals, gender-based violence and also pervasive environmental pollution. A collective effort is necessary to alleviate such issues. Here comes the role Section 80G of the IT Act plays as it gives tax exemptions for supporting various social welfare programmes and actively contributes to uplifting communities. Section 80G – An Overview Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, introduced by the Government of India, allows taxpayers to claim for deduction for their contribution to certain funds and eligible charitable organisations. Depending on the nature of the donation, the amount of exemption varies between 100% or 50%. Providing tax benefits, thereby, encourage people to support different social causes and ultimately makes a positive impact in society. The Role of NGOs in Fostering Social Welfare Programmes NGOs act as a bridge between the government and i

 Every year on 27 February, World NGO Day is celebrated globally to recognise the invaluable contributions of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) towards social progress, humanitarian causes and sustainable development. In India, where NGOs play a pivotal role in addressing various societal issues, the day holds special significance, marked by a multitude of events and initiatives aimed at fostering positive change.  Understanding the history of this significant day sheds light on its evolution and underscores the importance of acknowledging the pivotal role played by NGOs worldwide. The inception of World NGO Day dates back to 2010 when the IX Baltic Sea NGO Forum, held in Lithuania, proposed the idea of establishing a day to celebrate the invaluable work of NGOs across the globe. The initiative gained traction and was subsequently endorsed by the Baltic Sea NGO Network. The first World NGO Day was celebrated on 27 February 2014, marking the culmination of years of advocacy and col

 “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill  Inspiration can take different shapes. The nonprofit sector as a whole is immensely inspiring and those associated with it are making a significant difference in the lives of the communities they serve all over the world. By making an online donation or offering your time to an NGO of your choice, you can further contribute to this altruistic system and support those in need. Most NGOs will struggle to effectively complete their missions without the help of volunteers. Including volunteers in an NGO’s operations can greatly enhance its value and help the organisation accomplish its goals and mission. At a personal level, serving as a volunteer for an NGO can be a fulfilling and satisfying experience. It gives one the ability to positively impact other people's lives and give back to the community in a meaningful way. Through volunteering, a person can develop new abilities, meet people and have

 Donating to charity is a noble gesture and also paramount to a nation’s sustainable development. It enables those with limited opportunities to lead better lives and transcend socioeconomic boundaries. Donations for resources like mid-day meals, clean water, shelter, education and medical care also actualise the donor’s belief in an inclusive society where everyone enjoys equal rights and productively contributes to their nation’s growth. Thus, countries worldwide promote such constructive charitable contributions by allowing tax deductions on them. In India, Section 80G of the Income Tax Act, 1961 permits taxpayers to claim a deduction on their donation to registered non-profit organisations and certain relief funds. This clause has noteworthy benefits that eventually fan out from the taxpayer to the entire nation.  Benefits of Section 80G Giving = Saving Giving to those in need becomes more rewarding with provisions like Section 80G. It not only uplifts the donor emotionally but als