Akshaya Patra - Stories of Children
by Akshaya Patra NGO in India - Akshaya PatraThe
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.
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Created on Mar 21st 2019 01:22. Viewed 743 times.