Celebrating 25 Years of Akshaya Patra Foundation
By Raj Shah
This year, as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, I am filled with deep pride and heartfelt gratitude. Over the last quarter century, Akshaya Patra has transformed from a humble initiative feeding just 1,500 children in Bengaluru to the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program — now serving over 2.35 million nutritious meals every single school day across India. It is an extraordinary journey of faith, service, and innovation — a living example of how compassion, when combined with vision and discipline, can change millions of lives.
The name Akshaya Patra — “the inexhaustible vessel” — beautifully captures the essence of this movement. What began as an act of devotion inspired by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has grown into a nationwide mission under the leadership of Madhu Pandit Dasa, Shridhar Venkat, and Dr. Desh Deshpande. Their tireless dedication, combined with the generosity of donors and volunteers, has built an organization that not only feeds children but also nourishes dreams.
For me personally, Akshaya Patra’s mission became even more meaningful after a deeply moving experience. My wife, Aruna, and I had the privilege of visiting the Akshaya Patra kitchen in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Witnessing firsthand how this state-of-the-art facility prepares thousands of fresh, hot, and nutritious meals every morning was awe-inspiring. The precision, hygiene, and efficiency of the operation are truly world-class — a perfect blend of technology and compassion.
What touched our hearts even more was the opportunity to serve lunch at a nearby school. Watching children line up with bright eyes and eager smiles as they received their hot meal was an unforgettable moment. As we handed out plates and saw the pure joy on their faces, we felt something profound — the realization that this is not just about food. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and hope. When a child eats a nourishing meal and can focus in class instead of worrying about hunger, the ripple effect on their education and future is immeasurable.
That day reaffirmed my belief that Akshaya Patra is one of the most worthy causes of our time. It stands at the intersection of compassion and education — feeding not just the body, but also the mind and spirit.
As Co-Chair of the South Florida Chapter, I’ve seen how passionately our community supports this mission. Our annual galas are more than just fundraising events; they are gatherings of like-minded individuals who believe in the power of giving. Together, we celebrate not only what Akshaya Patra has achieved but also what lies ahead — the vision to reach five million children daily and to ensure that no child in India ever goes hungry.
Aruna and I often reflect on that day in Ahmedabad — on the children’s laughter, their gratitude, and their simple happiness. Those smiles remind us why we do what we do. Feeding a child may seem like a small act, but in truth, it is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. As Akshaya Patra enters its next 25 years, let us all recommit ourselves to this noble mission — one meal, one child, one future at a time.
About Author Raj Shah
A software engineer by profession, Indian culture enthusiast, ardent promoter of induism, and a cancer survivor, Raj Shah is a managing editor of Desh-Videsh Magazine and co-founder of Desh Videsh Media Group. Promoting the rich culture and heritage of India and Hinduism has been his motto ever since he arrived in the US in 1969.
He has been instrumental in starting and promoting several community organizations such as the Indian Religious and Cultural Center and International Hindu University. Raj has written two books on Hinduism titled Chronology of Hinduism and Understanding Hinduism. He has also written several children books focusing on Hindu culture and religion.
