GUWAHATI, March 2 � The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a unit of the Hare Krishna Movement Guwahati, which has been implementing the mid-day meal programme in 590 government schools of the state since February 2010, has successfully completed five years in Guwahati. To mark this occasion, the Foundation celebrated the fifth foundation day on February 28 at three different locations � Tetelia Bori LP School, Changsari Girls� School and Dolibari ME School.
The programme started with lighting of lamp by the chief guest and representatives of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a foundation statement said.
Foundation president Janardhana Dasa has thanked the Govt. of Assam, heads of the schools, teachers, students, parents and donors for their continued support in making the programme a huge success in the state. He also said that Akshaya Patra is working with the state government and PSUs to extend the services in other parts of the state also. The Akshaya Patra Foundation has now been providing 50,000 mid-day meals a day to the school students.
The scheme was launched in the state by governor JB Patnaik in 2010, making Assam the eighth state functioning under this programme. The ISO certified (22000:2005) kitchen is currently located in Amingaon and has a staff of nearly 150 local people. The preparation of the food takes around four hours, and the meals are delivered to the schools using 25 customised meal delivery vehicles to ensure hygienic food.