President Murmu Lauds Akshaya Patra’s Five Billion Meals Milestone

Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday lauded the Akshaya Patra Foundation for its landmark achievement of serving five billion meals, calling it a “remarkable contribution” towards strengthening education and nutrition in the country.

Addressing a commemorative event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, the President said the milestone reflects the vital link between nourishment and education in building a developed India by 2047. The event was themed ‘From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India’.

Murmu emphasized that ensuring a secure and promising future for children is a shared responsibility. She said collaboration among teachers, parents, social organisations, corporates, and the government is essential to provide children with quality education, nutritious food, good health, and a safe environment.

Highlighting the transformative role of education, the President said it empowers individuals and equips children with the skills needed to face life’s challenges. She commended the foundation’s 25-year-long efforts in addressing child malnutrition and promoting school attendance through mid-day meal services.

Referring to government initiatives, Murmu noted that schemes like PM POSHAN have significantly boosted enrolment, attendance, and retention in schools, while also improving students’ learning outcomes. She added that the foundation’s efforts complement the goals of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all by 2030.

“Children are not merely beneficiaries of welfare programmes; they are the architects of the nation’s future,” she said, stressing that investment in their nutrition and education is key to building a strong and capable workforce.

The President concluded by expressing confidence that healthy, educated, and empowered children will play a pivotal role in realising the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047.