22 November 2024: The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on providing unlimited food for the education of school children as the implementing partner of the PM POSHAN program, is pleased to announce its 16-year-long partnership with the National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), a Navratna Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Steel, Government of India. Since 2007, the NMDC has been a resolute partner in supporting Akshaya Patra’s nourishment program, which has had a transformative impact on children across multiple regions in Karnataka.
“NMDC’s unwavering support over the past 16 years has been a big support in our initiatives. Their contribution has not only ensured nutritious meals for thousands of children but has also played a key role in fostering educational opportunities for the children,” said Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation. “This partnership exemplifies the positive change that can occur when corporates like NMDC prioritize social responsibility.”
“For the past 16 years NMDC and The Akshaya Patra Foundation have been together providing nutritious meals to the farthest villages of Bellary,” said Subhasish Chatterjee, General Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, National Mineral Development Corporation, Donimalai, “These meals go beyond nutrition and have improved the attendance of the school children. Thus, we see the power of one hot plate of food which plays a key role in fostering educational opportunities for thousands of children.”
Over the years, the NMDC’s support for the nourishment of children has grown from an initial funding of ₹53 lakhs to a remarkable ₹1.5 crore as of today. Presently, it sponsors the meals of 8,000 children across multiple locations including Sandur, Donimalai, Hospet, Dhanapur, Kerikeri, Bellary, and Narasinghpura. Last year alone, NMDC’s generous sponsorship contributed to the serving of over 18.66 lakh meals to children through their generous sponsorship of our Mid-Day Meal Program.
In honor of NMDC’s formation day and the launch of its new logo, the corporation has expressed its intention to visit Akshaya Patra’s kitchen on November 11. The visit will offer NMDC’s leadership a deeper understanding of the impact of their contributions and engage with the dedicated staff who make the operations possible.
The NMDC’s contribution to The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s cause has been a stern support in its service to nourish the coming generations. This partnership also marks the change a simple plate of food can bring to a child’s life.