The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a charitable trust in India. This charitable trust has been working towards the cause of providing mid-day meal to children since the year 2000. Akshaya Patra started the cause by feeding just 1,500 children of five Government schools in Bangalore, Karnataka. Gradually the need of this programme was felt in nearby schools too and it started expanding its feeding capacity to more schools and children. Over the years along with continuing to serve mid-day meal in its original serving location, this charitable trust in India strategically expanded itself to cater to the needs of the rest of the country. With the help of Central Government, various State Governments and many generous donors, Akshaya Patra today serves as a NGO in 23 locations of 10 states.
One of its service locations is Vadodara in Gujarat. As a NGO in Vadodara, Akshaya Patra started its operation in November 2009. This NGO in Vadodara runs a centralised kitchen to cater to the mid-day meal requirement of 113,593 children studying in 616 Government schools (index as per March 2014). The centralised kitchen prepares meals that cater to the local palate of the region so that children enjoy their meal to the fullest. While serving as a mid-day meal NGO for more than a decade Akshaya Patra realises the importance of this one meal in every child's life. Each of the beneficiaries of this meal has their own story of struggle, hope and aspiration. As a mid-day meal NGO, Akshaya Patra strives to serve the local palate of the region so that children eat with joy. Thus as a NGO in Vadodara too Akshaya Patra's centralised kitchen prepares meals that cater to the local palate of the region so that children enjoy their meal to the fullest.
In general, the mid-day meal programme has seen many positive impacts on children and the education initiatives. It has seen an increase in enrolment, decrease in drop-out rate, better concentration level among children, and also there has been a rise in parents sending their children to school rather than sending the young hearts to earn a living. The vision statement of this charitable trust in India very clearly states that, 'No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger.' Thus it has set itself the mission to serve 5 million children by 2020.
This charitable trust in India is aware of the significance and potential of society's engagement with the cause. Thus, it acknowledges and appreciates the contributions made by the supporters, volunteers and donors. This charitable trust in India has received permission from Finance Ministry to provide tax exemption on donation
to its donors. Thus, a donor becomes eligible for tax exemption donation for his contribution of Rs. 500 and above. Once eligible, the donor receives 100% tax exemption on the amount he or she has contributed. Tax exemption donation serves the dual purpose of benefitting children and donors too.
Join the mission of this charitable trust in India.
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