24th December, Bengaluru - In an aim to enhance educational outcomes through nutritional support, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, recognised as the world's largest NGO-run school meal programme and a distinguished partner of the PM POSHAN initiative, celebrated the inauguration of its 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra Village, Avalahalli Panchayat, Bidarahalli, Bengaluru. Supported by Canara Bank as the anchor patron donor, Avalahalli kitchen represents a significant extension of Akshaya Patra’s efforts to improve educational results by providing nutritional support to students. This new facility marks the organisation's sixth location in Bengaluru.

The event was inaugurated by chief guests, Smt Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru and Shri Aravind Limbavali, Former Minister, Government of Karnataka. Smt Latha Kumari IAS, CEO of Bengaluru Urban District Zilla Panchayat graced the occasion. On behalf of the Foundation, Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-Founder and Vice-Chairman and Shri Gunakara Rama Dasa, Regional President – Bengaluru Cluster of The Akshaya Patra Foundation were present. Mr Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank, represented the anchor patron donor.

Smt Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, said, "I am delighted to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen. The newly launched kitchen is a testament to their dedication to serving nutritious meals to children and communities. This initiative reflects the spirit of service and development, bringing hope and nourishment to many and strengthening the future of Karnataka."

Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-Founder and Vice-Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are immensely grateful for the support of the Government of Karnataka and Canara Bank, whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in the inauguration of our 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra, Bengaluru. This new facility is not just a kitchen; it is a promise to enhanced educational outcomes through nutritional support to over 7,500 students. The strategic location and advanced capabilities of this kitchen enable us to extend our reach and efficacy, reflecting our dedication to nurturing young minds and empowering them through education.” 

He also added, “Our heartfelt thanks to Canara Bank for their pivotal role as our anchor patron donor and to the Government of Karnataka and the Government of India for their continuous partnership. Together, we are forging a future where no child's educational opportunities are limited by their nutritional status."

The kitchen, sprawling over 5,000 square feet, is strategically located to cater to over 7,500 students across 60 government and government-aided schools in the Bidarahalli and Cheemasandra areas. It aims to provide hot, nutritious mid-day meals within a strict 4-hour cook-to-consumption timeline, emphasising the Foundation's dedication to quality and efficiency. This effort not only aims to nourish young minds but also boosts local employment and procurement. The facility is semi-solar powered with future plans to incorporate more electric vehicles into its delivery fleet, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.

Mr Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank said, “Our bank takes immense pride in supporting cultural and spiritual celebrations across the country, reflecting our commitment to community engagement. As we grow and prosper, we remain dedicated to contributing to the well-being of our nation, especially in Karnataka. It is a privilege to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, a remarkable initiative that serves and uplifts the community.”

Mr Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation said, “The transformative power of a daily meal cannot be overstated—it shapes futures, builds dreams and nurtures the young beneficiaries. The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s success is a testament to the strength of public-private partnerships, with unwavering support from the Government of India, state governments and generous donors. As we march towards the milestone of our 100th kitchen, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Together, we are creating a legacy of nourishment, hope and empowerment.”

Akshaya Patra's mid-day meal offerings in Bengaluru are customised to appeal to the local palate, ensuring that they are not only nutritious but also palatable. The menu features a variety of dishes including vegetable pulav, bisibele bath and moong dal payasam, catering to diverse tastes while promoting healthy eating habits among students. This initiative is further enhanced by The Akshaya Patra Foundation's role as an implementing partner of the visionary 'Ksheera Bhagya' programme by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, aimed at providing milk to schoolchildren, ensuring that their educational pursuits are not hindered by nutritional deficits.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the guests toured the facility and served meals to children, visibly impressed by the Foundation’s dedication to quality and community impact. The Akshaya Patra Foundation currently serves over 1.8 lakh children across 1,200+ schools in Bengaluru and 4.4 lakh children across 3,400+ schools in Karnataka.

This project is more than just a facility; it reflects The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s enduring dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering community participation. It also underscores the organisation’s drive towards promoting healthy eating habits and advancing sustainable practices.

With the continuous support of the Government of Karnataka and the commitment of all stakeholders, The Akshaya Patra Foundation is set to continue its mission of ensuring that ‘No child is deprived of education because of hunger.’

About The Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that strives to address classroom hunger and malnutrition in India. By implementing the PM POSHAN Programme Scheme in government and government-aided schools, Akshaya Patra aims to fight hunger and at the same time, bring children to school. Since 2000, it has worked towards reaching out to children with wholesome food every single school day. The Foundation is continuously leveraging technology to cater to millions of children. Its state-of-the-art kitchens have become a subject of study and attract curious visitors from around the world. 

As an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN Programme, with support of the Government of India and various State Governments, Akshaya Patra has grown from humble beginnings serving just 1,500 school children across five schools to becoming the world’s largest (not-for-profit run) PM POSHAN Programme, serving wholesome food to over 2.25 million children from 23,000 schools across 16 states and 2 union territories of India. 

For more details, please log on: www.akshayapatra.org 

For Media Queries:
Sakshi Prasad | 9769494915
Devika Khandelwal | 8318423910