PRESIDENT OF INDIA GRACES AN EVENT TO COMMEMORATE THE FIVE BILLION MEALS OF AKSHAYA PATRA FOUNDATION

Newdelhi:17/3/26:The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, graced an event to commemorate the five billion meals of the Akshaya Patra Foundation at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre today (March 17, 2026). Speaking on the occasion, the President said that serving five billion meals in furtherance of educational objectives is the remarkable achievement of the Akshaya Patra Foundation. The theme of this event, ‘From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India’, underscores the significance of a nourished and educated society in realizing our national resolve to build ‘Viksit Bharat’ by the year 2047.

The President said that it is essential that our children, who are the future of the nation, have ready access to nutritious food and quality education. The Government of India has launched numerous significant initiatives aimed at providing adequate nutrition and improved healthcare services to pregnant mothers and children. The school lunch program, implemented under PM POSHAN, has proven to be a significant incentive for parents to send their children to school. Numerous studies substantiate that, as a result of this program, there has been an increase in children’s enrolment, attendance, and retention in schools. Also, there has been a remarkable improvement in their learning capabilities and academic performance. She was happy to note that Akshaya Patra Foundation is playing an important role in furthering the objectives of ‘Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan,’ which aims to ensure quality and inclusive education for all children by the year 2030.

The President said that a safe and bright future for our children is not solely the responsibility of the government, but a shared responsibility of us all. When teachers, parents, social organizations, the corporate sector, and every segment of society work together, then we lay a strong foundation for the coming generation. We must ensure that every child receives quality education, nutritious food, good health, and a clean and safe environment. These fundamentals enable the holistic development of children.

The President said that children are not merely beneficiaries of the free meal program. They are the architects of the nation’s bright future. The nutritious food they receive today is an investment in our nation’s human capital. The healthy, educated, and energetic children will constitute India’s workforce and play a pivotal role in achieving ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.