Bengaluru, Aug 16, 2024: The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to eradicating classroom hunger and malnutrition in India, has launched its new initiative in educational empowerment — the ‘Scholarship Program’, in association with Dr Majeed Foundation. This year, the program has pledged a total of Rs 25 lakhs in scholarships, benefiting over 130 deserving students from government and government-aided schools.
Through this initiative, the Akshaya Patra Foundation aims to extend its mission beyond the successful Mid-Day Meal Scheme, now known as Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN). The scholarships will support 75 students graduating from 11th or 12th grade and 55 students completing their Bachelor’s degrees, covering their full academic fees and enabling them to pursue higher education without financial constraints.
The scholarship distribution event was held at MVT Hall, Iskcon Campus, Bangalore.
In her note, Dr Anju Majeed, Group Executive Chairperson, Sami-Sabinsa Group, said, “The Dr Majeed Foundation, since its inception, has provided academic and financial support to numerous needy students, eliminating dropouts. We are fortunate to have had the chance to assist The Akshaya Patra Foundation in its efforts by contributing Rs 29 lakh towards student scholarships and helping the organization in their mid-day meal program. It is gratifying to note that our efforts will improve the students learning outcomes.”
"In 2023, the Dr. Majeed Foundation has donated Rs 50 lakh to The Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide nutritious meals for schoolchildren in the State," she added.
Speaking on the occasion, Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, "At The Akshaya Patra Foundation, we believe that education is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth. With this scholarship program, we are committed to breaking down the barriers that prevent talented young individuals from achieving their academic and professional dreams. Our goal is not just to feed the body but to nourish the mind, empowering a generation to rise above their circumstances and contribute meaningfully to our society."
The foundation's commitment to education extends beyond meal provision, aiming to cultivate a holistic educational environment that supports students from the classroom to their careers. This year, the foundation aims to support over 10,000 students, reinforcing its commitment to creating a future-ready workforce.
Sami-Sabinsa Group is a multinational health and life sciences company headquartered in Bengaluru. In 2004, Sami-Sabinsa Group set up a community engagement arm, the Dr Majeed Foundation. The Foundation supports the economically disadvantaged sections of society by providing sustainable livelihoods, social infrastructure, and creating better opportunities.
The Foundation works in the core areas of education, healthcare, community development, destitute care, relief and rehabilitation support, and other important imperatives needed for the socio-economic progress of the less fortunate.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that strives to address classroom hunger and malnutrition in India. By implementing the PM Poshan Program Scheme in Government and Government-aided schools, Akshaya Patra aims to fight hunger and, at the same time, bring children to school. Since 2000, Akshaya Patra 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.
