Bengaluru, August 09, 2023. NetApp India Pvt. Ltd. and The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF) proudly announce the extension of their enduring collaboration for the ninth consecutive year, underscoring NetApp's unwavering dedication to transforming the lives of government and government-aided school children. This partnership remains a testament to their shared commitment to nourishing young minds and fortifying academic journeys with vital sustenance and support. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) sealing this profound alliance was formalized through the signatures of Mr. Ravi Chhabria, Managing Director of NetApp India, and Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO of The Akshaya Patra Foundation.
This partnership bears testament to the resolute commitment to offer indispensable aid to more than 2.5K children, facilitating the provision of approximately half a million nourishing meals throughout the academic year in Bengaluru. Over the course of eight years, NetApp India's steadfast support has played a pivotal role in delivering more than 4 million wholesome meals to children in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Beyond the provision of mid-day meals, NetApp India has been a stalwart advocate for an array of impactful initiatives, encompassing:
- Covid-19 Relief: A significant hallmark of their support has been witnessed during the pandemic, as NetApp India sponsored over 10.6K ration kits and provided more than 8.7K vaccination kits. This crucial aid has bolstered The Akshaya Patra Foundation's efforts to extend sustenance and essential supplies to families adversely affected by the pandemic.
- Capex Support: NetApp India's partnership has furthered its commitment by extending capex support, contributing to the enhancement of infrastructure within The Akshaya Patra Foundation's kitchens and the procurement of essential kitchen equipment.
- Volunteerism: NetApp India's engagement transcends financial support, as the organization actively participated in diverse activities, including awareness poster creation, the Leadership Ideathon, and carbon footprint assessment. Notably, their skill-based volunteer initiatives have pioneered sustainable water conservation solutions at TAPF kitchens.
Sharing his thoughts on the association, Ravi Chhabria, Managing Director, NetApp India, stated, “We are honoured to be a part of Akshaya Patra Foundation’s journey in providing nutritious meals to school children. Over the last eight years, we have enjoyed a fruitful partnership with the Foundation to aid hunger relief initiatives. This is the 9th year of our association, and we are thrilled to solidify our commitment through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). We will continue to amplify our shared mission to alleviate hunger and empower the younger generation.”
Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, "NetApp India has been a valuable partner to The Akshaya Patra Foundation for many years. Our collaboration has not only helped alleviate hunger but has also empowered young minds to thrive through education. We remain committed to fostering a brighter future for generations to come."
Sharing his thoughts on being a part of the skills-based volunteer program, Sagar Hirapur, Software Engineer - Dev Tools & Services, NetApp India, said, "While I have always been passionate about volunteering, I believe the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s skill-based volunteering program has provided me with the opportunity to not only contribute my time but also skills for the greater good. I’m grateful to NetApp for curating meaningful engagement opportunities for volunteers like me to partake in and make a difference."
The Akshaya Patra Foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to NetApp India for their unwavering dedication and unyielding commitment to the cause of eradicating hunger and advancing education. This enduring partnership between the two organizations serves as a beacon of corporate social responsibility, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless children and setting an inspiring example for others to emulate.
