On April 2, 2024, Akshaya Patra Foundation (APF) achieved the historic feat of serving four billion thalis. This achievement of Akshaya Patra Foundation was also celebrated in the United Nations.
- India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ruchira Kamboj organized a special event at the UN Headquarters on 2 April 2024. The theme of this event organized at the United Nations was 'Achievements in Food Security: India's Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals'.
- The event showcased India's innovative strategies, policies and achievements towards achieving food security and nutrition.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated:
- PM Modi sent a special message for the successful conduct of this program. In this message, PM Modi congratulated the NGO and also said that he feels proud and extremely happy with the entire team of Akshaya Patra Foundation. PM Modi described serving four billion thalis as a historic achievement.
Highlights of the programme:
- The following famous personalities of the country participated in the program organized by APF on 2 April 2024.
- Infosys founding member NR Narayana Murthy was present at the event.
- Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi
- Madhu Pandit Das, President of Indian social organization APF.
PM Modi's message in the programme:
- India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj read out PM Modi's message. PM Modi said in his message that 'This achievement is proof of our dedication in nourishing humanity and eliminating hunger.'
- Akshaya Patra Foundation has provided food to countless children. It is ensuring that the future of the world is properly nourished.
- The Prime Minister also recalled the serving of the three billionth thali of Akshaya Patra Foundation, which was served in Vrindavan in February 2019.
About Akshaya Patra Foundation (APF):
- Akshaya Patra Foundation was established in the year 2000. It started with feeding 1,500 children from five schools in Bengaluru.
- Akshaya Patra Foundation is an India-based NGO.
- The headquarters of this foundation is in Bengaluru.
- The Foundation implements the Midday Meal Scheme under the PM Poshan Abhiyaan.
- Seeks to eliminate hunger among children in government and government-aided schools.
- The Foundation aims to combat malnutrition through its feeding program and support the right to education of socio-economically disadvantaged children.
- Akshaya Patra is currently the world's largest non-profit operation. The Midday Meal Program provides nutritious meals to government school children in more than 22,367 schools spread across 14 states and 2 union territories across India.