Seers, Bishop lay foundation stone for mega kitchen

The foundation stone for the mega kitchen of Akshaya Patra Foundation was laid in association with G T Foundation and Diya Systems Pvt Ltd, at Kodman village, Benjanapadavu.

The new kitchen will serve mid-day meals to over 50,000 children from 2019.

Speaking on the occasion, Diya Systems CEO Dr V Ravichandran said that his dream of building an automated kitchen facility to nourish 50,000 underprivileged school children from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi region on a daily basis through Akshaya Patra Foundation has finally turned into reality after almost 5 years. "We dedicate ourselves with passion, commitment, determination and perseverance to complete this project and nurture 50,000 schoolchildren and become instrumental in eradicating malnutrition and provide an opportunity for the children to continue their education and make them great citizens and leaders of tomorrow."

Akshaya Patra Foundation Vice-Chairman Chanchalapathi Dasa while expressing his gratitude to GT Foundation and Diya Systems Pvt Ltd said that the foundation is empowered by community participation and this is a remarkable example of what one can do when all join hands for a common cause.

Akshaya Patra Foundation (Mangaluru) President Karunya Sagar Dasa said the foundation is grateful to GT Foundation and Diya Systems Pvt Ltd for furthering the cause of serving children with nutritious school meals. Akshaya Patra is currently serving 14,000 children in 135 schools in Mangaluru. With this partnership, it is expected to reach out to 50,000 school children. The upcoming mega kitchen will be set up in adherence to all good manufacturing practices, use of technology and innovation.

Vidyadheesha Threertha Swami of Palimaru Mutt Udupi, Ishapriya Theertha Swami, Junior Seer of Shri Adamaru Matha, Udupi, Bishop Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza and Minister Ramanath Rai were present.