CSR Opportunities Corporates can participate in with Akshaya Patra

With the Central Government’s mandate for companies to set aside 2% of their net profit towards Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR, many a firm, both Indian and Multi-National Companies (MNCs), are finding ways to do it in the most productive and efficient manner. In short, ensuring that they contribute towards uplifting the disadvantaged.

Corporates Lending a Hand

Right from the outset, many corporates, have been doing their mite for the society through NGOs like The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Many other business majors too have joined the fray by extending their help to the causes supported by the Foundation in as many ways as possible. The foundation has been actively working towards ensuring that children don't drop out of school. They are not forced to work to ensure a square meal for the family.

The ILO Declaration of Philadelphia, 1944 had stated: “Poverty anywhere is a threat to prosperity everywhere.” Corporates understand this and to ensure that there is no dearth to skilled workforce, they contribute towards upliftment of children.

The CSR contributions, if made to the right causes, can bring about a social change in India. But, the change may not happen overnight. The proportion of people who are educated would rise dramatically and thus giving a bigger talent pool for firms in India.

The Initiatives of Akshaya Patra

Apart from feeding children in Government and Government-aided schools, Akshaya Patra also supports other causes such as anganwadi feeding, feeding expecting and lactating mothers, people in old-age homes, children in special schools, runaway children, the homeless, disaster relief victims, subsidised lunch for the economically disadvantaged, etc,. The need for such support is growing and the reach has to be widened. But this requires additional support from the citizens. Financial support from corporates and individuals can go a long way in ensuring that the Foundation can widen its reach.

Perhaps what needs the most attention is the issue of hidden hunger. Something that's out of sight is generally out of mind. Prioritising of early childhood nutrition is key to ensuring that India's development rests on strong and steady shoulders. For they are the driving force behind building a well-developed country.

Interestingly, one of the most alarming facts about hidden hunger is that though it might make a child feel full, his or her nutritional requirements are not met. This usually happens when the child eats unhealthy food. Hidden hunger is caused by micronutrient deficiencies. To ensure that the children don’t suffer from hidden hunger, their body should get enough intake vitamins and minerals.

This is the challenge the NGO decided to take head on. Thus, the number of children benefiting from the school lunch has grown by leaps and bounds, and now covers over 1.6 million across 12 states in India.

It is an initiative that all corporates feel strongly about as building a well-developed is a nation must. By joining forces with NGOs like Akshaya Patra that can play the facilitator in implementing their CSR programme.

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Created on Oct 25th 2017 01:54. Viewed 779 times.

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