How Indian NGOs have contributed to India's progress?

by Akshaya Patra NGO in India - Akshaya Patra

NGOs play a crucial role in uplifting the immediate society in particular and the world community as a whole. The role of NGOs in a country’s progress is crucial and has shown tangible results in various areas beginning from basic rights to protecting and sustaining the environment. Akshaya Patra is one such NGO that empowers children with health and education through the Mid-Day Meal Programme.

Article: NGOs or Non-Governmental Organisations are cause-oriented organisations that work for a plethora of issues ranging from social development, human development, health, skill development, environment to animal rights, and more. These organisations work to benefit the society and the environment in a sustainable manner. To bring about change from the grass root level, these charitable organisations work at local, national, and international levels and function independently from any form of government, i.e. they are neither managed nor owned by any government or government representatives. It is estimated that there are about 10 million NGOs across the globe, and as per a report on 2015, there are about 3 million Indian charity organisations.

Role of NGOs in India’s progress

India is a vast country, and despite all the progresses it has made, there still looms several socio-economic and environmental issues. And, since the operational structure of NGOs allow to work more closely with a particular cause and its beneficiaries, these organisations boost and multiply the efforts of the government. For instance, the government’s motto of ‘Education for All’ gets amplified with the work done by NGOs who are actively involved with promoting and ensuring child education in India; the health situation in the country gets bettered with various schemes initiated by the government and the dedicated work of the health-centric NGOs; fundamental rights as stated in the constitution can be ensured for by NGOs working in the area of rights and awareness; in line with environmental laws, various issues can be addressed closely by working with pro-environment NGOs; and many such related issues.

NGOs in partnership with government

In order to increase the reach and impact of a particular government scheme or programme, some Indian charity organisations work as an implementing partner of the government. These NGOs operate in a Public Private Partnership model. For instance, The Akshaya Patra Foundation that has been supporting healthy meals and education of children for the past 18 years in an implementing partner of the Government’s Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Each day, Akshaya Patra provides nutrition-rich school meals to more than 17 lakh children across 12 states of India. The mid-day meals allow children to receive the required nutrition for their growth and rightful education for their development; when both factors are combined, it results in creating a generation of empowered citizens.

To further this cause, Akshaya Patra requires the support of the whole society. Support to Akshaya Patra has the power to directly impact health and child education in India. And, however cliched it may sound, but only healthy and educated children can be the future flag bearers of a country. There are many ways to support the cause such as with just Rs. 1,100, one can choose to sponsor a child for one year. This will ensure a year full of regular school meals and regular schooling, something that is essential to pursue different dreams and goals. One can also volunteer time and skill, conduct fundraising campaigns, or be a social media advocate by spreading the word about Akshaya Patra’s cause.

Conclusion

From the above discussed points, it can be inferred that when government, NGOs, and general public work in tandem, transformational and sustainable change is possible – and all in the best interest of the country!