Akshaya Patra Articles

 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...

 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 a...

 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 advocac...