Akshaya Patra Articles

What does the future of India look like? It may be a child confidently answering a question in a classroom. It may be a young girl discovering a passion for science, a budding artist expressing creativity through sketches, or a future entrepreneur developing ideas that will transform communities. Every nutritious meal served today strengthens the foundations of tomorrow’s India. While discussions about India's future often focus on education, innovation, economic growth and technological advancement, there is a more fundamental factor that underpins each of these aspirations: nutrition. The relationship between nutrition and human development is well established. Adequate nourishment during childhood influences cognitive development, educational attainment, physical health and long-term productivity. Before children can fully participate in learning, they must have the nutritional foundation that enables them to concentrate, engage and grow. Consequently, child nutrition is n...

Why safe meals matter as much as nutritious meals? The hidden backbone of every meal programme When people think about meal programmes, they often think about nutrition, hunger relief or community impact. What is less visible but equally important is the intricate system that ensures every meal is safe to consume. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Food Safety Overview , contaminated food causes illness in nearly 1 in 10 people globally every year, leading to approximately 420,000 deaths annually. Children under five carry nearly 40% of the foodborne disease burden.ily, the stakes are even higher. In large-scale meal programmes, food safety is a commitment to health, dignity and trust. Why food safety is critical in large-scale meal programmes 1. Protecting vulnerable communities Large-scale meal initiatives often serve: School children Elderly populations Disaster-affected communities Low-income families Hospital patients ...

 The whole world is striving to alleviate malnutrition. In the global efforts to achieve the SDGs by 2030, India is making progress as well. However, the issue still persists and the country continues to combat it by implementing initiatives and programmes. Malnutrition: Definition, Causes and Challenges “Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition covers two broad groups of conditions. One is undernutrition, which includes stunting (low height for age), wasting (low weight for height), underweight (low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies (a lack of important vitamins and minerals). The other is overweight, obesity and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer).” - World Health Organisation For a balanced diet, dietary diversity is the key. People should follow a diet that includes carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and ...

 The purpose of NGOs is to make a positive impact on society. Many NGOs dedicated to various social causes work tirelessly to achieve their mission and make a difference. A consistent flow of funds is crucial for them to run their programmes effectively. Let’s look in detail at the importance of fundraising for NGOs. • Implementation of programmes Fundraising is crucial for NGOs to run their programmes. Numerous NGOs in India address causes such as hunger eradication, education, environmental conservation, etc. They conduct various promotional, volunteering and awareness activities to attract people who share similar interests. Through effective fundraising, NGOs can plan and implement their programmes, achieve long-term goals and fulfils their vision. Proper financial backing ensures that these programmes are well-organised, sustainable and make a lasting impact on society. • Creating awareness NGOs require financial support to raise awareness about the significant need to support...

 India is one of the largest countries in the world. It has a population of 1.4 billion and immense diversity in geography, religion, caste, socioeconomic status, etc., making implementing social welfare programmes challenging. This makes a strong case for adopting the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in the social sector. The government can implement these initiatives with the NGOs pitching in with their expertise in resource mobilisation to add to their efficiency. In fact, the government has even made provisions for the participation of private entities and NGOs in addressing socioeconomic issues and contributing to the larger goal of nation-building. An apt example is the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) Scheme, now rechristened as the PM POSHAN Abhiyaan. As per the Revised Guidelines 2017 for engagement of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)/Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) in Mid-Day Meal Scheme, NGOs can be engaged to supply cooked meals to children in schools in urban areas or in...

 India stands as one of the world's fastest-growing economies, yet its battle with hunger and malnutrition persists. Despite remarkable progress in various sectors, a significant portion of its population continues to struggle with food. Solving India's hunger problem demands a multi-faceted approach that delves into the root cause. Understanding Malnutrition Malnutrition has many forms, including undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies and over-nutrition. Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron, vitamin A and iodine, remain prevalent, affecting millions across the country. Paradoxically, over-nutrition is also rising, leading to a surge in obesity and diet-related diseases, further exacerbating the malnutrition crisis. Causes of Malnutrition Several factors contribute to India's malnutrition crisis, including poverty, inadequate access to nutritious food, poor sanitation and hygiene, limited healthcare facilities and cultural practices.  • Calorific deficiency – G...

 A healthy child is always a happy child. Nowadays, people are more aware that health not only means physical but also cognitive. The food one eats has a significant impact on both physical and mental health. So, investment in child nutrition is important to nurture a healthy future. Let’s discuss in detail about the effect of nutrition on child growth and development. Importance of nutrition in childhood There is a saying, “You can't build a great building on a weak foundation.” For human beings, childhood is the foundation that determines their destiny. It plays a key role in their physical and mental development. So, good food, both for body and mind, is crucial during this stage. Nutrition has a strong connection with one’s physical and mental well-being. Therefore, if children do not receive adequate nutrient-rich meals, it prevents them from enjoying a happy and healthy childhood, which ultimately affects their future. Role of nutrition in child’s physical health Nutrition ma...

 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’...