NEW DELHI, Mar 17 : President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday attended an event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre to commemorate the milestone of five billion meals served by the Akshaya Patra Foundation to schoolchildren across the country.
Addressing the gathering, the President described the achievement as remarkable and said the foundation’s work contributes significantly to advancing educational objectives.
Referring to the theme of the event “From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India,” she said a nourished and educated society is essential to realise the national vision of building a developed India by 2047.
Murmu said ensuring a safe and bright future for children is not solely the responsibility of the government but a shared responsibility of society.
She emphasised that when teachers, parents, social organisations, the corporate sector and communities work together, they lay a strong foundation for future generations.
She added that every child must have access to quality education, nutritious food, good health and a safe and clean environment for holistic development.
Highlighting the role of education in shaping opportunities in life, the President said schooling equips children with the skills and experiences needed to face everyday challenges and become responsible citizens.
She commended the Akshaya Patra Foundation for working continuously for the past 25 years to address malnutrition among children and encourage school attendance through mid-day meal services.
The President said children, as the future of the nation, must have ready access to nutritious food and quality education.
She noted that the Government of India has launched several initiatives to provide better nutrition and healthcare to mothers and children.
Murmu said the school lunch programme under PM POSHAN has acted as a major incentive for parents to send their children to school. Studies show that the programme has improved enrolment, attendance and retention of students, while also enhancing their learning outcomes and academic performance.
She also noted that the Akshaya Patra Foundation is contributing to the objectives of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, aimed at ensuring quality and inclusive education for all children by 2030.
The President said children are not merely beneficiaries of free meal programmes but the architects of the nation’s future. (UNI)
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