Global Recognition for India’s Contribution to Food Security:The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s 4 Billion Meals

Chennai 04.04.2024 – In a momentous event at the United Nations Headquarters, ‘Achievements in Food Security: India’s Strides Towards Sustainable Development Goals,’ the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in New York celebrated the nation’s considerable progress toward the global aspiration of Zero Hunger (SDG 2). The event highlighted The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s landmark achievement of serving ‘4 Billion Meals’ under the auspices of PM POSHAN Abhiyaan, illustrating a significant stride towards nourishing the future of India.

In his inspiring message, Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, lauded The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s efforts, emphasising the deep-seated values of nutrition and community in Indian culture. “It is with immense pride and joy that I congratulate the entire team of The Akshaya Patra Foundation on achieving the remarkable milestone of serving 4 Billion Meals. As we celebrate this milestone, we must reflect on the intrinsic value that food holds in our vibrant culture. From the sacred Annaprashan ceremony marking a child’s first ‘rice meal’ to the concept of a ‘Thali’ emphasising the importance of a balanced diet, our societal ethos creates an interplay among nutrition, diet and diversity. The significance of this milestone is further highlighted by serving the meal at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, showcasing a passion for global well-being,” stated the Prime Minister in a message read by Ruchira Kamboj, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations.

The ceremonial celebration was not just a recognition but a global statement of India’s enduring commitment to food security and educational empowerment. The event was illuminated by the addresses of distinguished personalities such as Shri Kailash Satyarthi, Noble Laureate and UN SDG Advocate; Shri N R Narayana Murthy, Chairman Emeritus, Infosys, and Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa, Founder-Chairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Their collective wisdom stressed on the power of collaborative efforts to eradicate hunger and enhance education through nutritional support.

Noble Laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi, an advocate for children’s rights and a staunch supporter of the SDGs, delivered an inspiring keynote address, said, “Akshaya Patra has been successfully able to keep millions of children dropping out of schools who would otherwise be pushed into labour due to their socio economic status. Their Nobel work will take the country many steps ahead by helping the youth achieve their true potential.”

Shri N R Narayana Murthy, Chairman Emeritus, Infosys, said, “No country can build a sound and sustainable path to increasing prosperity for its citizens without a strong foundation of primary and secondary education. Such a foundation needs nutritious food for children. Akshaya Patra’s grand and noble battle to ensure that no child is denied education because of hunger is a crucial piece in this complex jigsaw puzzle. I appreciate, applaud, salute, and congratulate the heroes of Akshaya Patra on this well-planned and robust mid-day meal scheme.

Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa, Founder-Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, reflecting on this monumental achievement said, “Over the last 24 years, Akshaya Patra has demonstrated a model for large scale feeding in partnership with the government to meet the UN sustainable development goal of zero hunger. On this occasion of commemorating Akshaya Patra’s milestone of having served 4 billion cumilative meals in India, in the Indian spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the spirit of global wellbeing, we wish to take Akshaya Patra beyond India to countries that will welcome us and give an opportunity to work with their government to serve their children.” Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa also extended heartfelt gratitude to all the stakeholders, including the Government of India, the Ministry of Education, state governments, corporate partners, individual donors and the community at large for their continued support. He also reiterated the commitment to serve hot, nutritious, safe and tasty meals to children every school day and further added that the Foundation will strive to enhance the impact of mid-day meals through various innovative initiatives.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s journey of serving meals began in 2000, with the organisation reaching its first billion meals in 2012. By 2016, the organisation had cumulatively served 2 Billion meals, which was commemorated in the presence of Shri Pranab Mukherjee, the then President of India. In 2019, Akshaya Patra marked the milestone of serving 3 Billion cumulative meals, served by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji. The journey of milestones continues, with the latest achievement being celebrated on the global stage, highlighting the power of collaboration in addressing world hunger.

The commemoration of this milestone at the United Nations is not just a recognition but a global call to action, embodying the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the world is one family. It highlights the pivotal role of international solidarity in crafting a narrative where sustainable development and compassion form the core of collective action towards a world free from hunger.
About The Akshaya Patra Foundation
Akshaya Patra is a not-for-profit implementing partner for the Government of India’s flagship PM POSHAN Abhiyan. Its programme is based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with various governments, corporates, philanthropic donors and well-wishers. Akshaya Patra strives to ensure children’s continued access to nutrition by providing them hot, hygienic and safe mid-day meals in government and government-aided schools every day. The programme positively impacts children’s education by improving their enrolment, attendance, retention and concentration.

The Foundation feeds over 2.1 million children in 24,082 schools in 72 locations across 16 states and 2 union territories of India, making it one of the largest NGO-run school feeding programmes in the world.

For more details: https://www.akshayapatra.org/