NEW YORK CITY–Over 600 people attended the Akshaya Patra recognition ceremony at the United Nations last week. The event was emceed by Rachana Kulkarni with inspiring speeches from all dignitaries and ending with a vote of thanks from Siva Sivaraman, chairman of Akshaya Patra USA.
About 20 people, including co-chairs and supporters of Akshaya Patra’s Boston chapter attended the event. Also present at ceremony were Ambassadors at the United Nations from India, Nepal, SriLanka, Kenya, Japan and the United States, among other dignitaries.
Akshaya Patra founder Madhu Pandit Dasa said that Akshaya Patra is willing to share its know-how with any other non-profits from any country to address the food insecurity for children and communities.
“Akshaya Patra is a shining example for the world as to how hunger can be beaten if we set our mind to it,” said Akshay Patra supporter and phlanthopist Desh Deshpande. “Our hope is that Akshaya Patra will inspire many others to embrace the approach and no child will be deprived of education because of hunger in the world.”
Rakesh Kamdar, an advisor to Akshaya Patra’s Boston chapter, said that he was grateful to be part of the celebration by the Indian Permanent Representative at the United Nations, recognizing the Akshaya Patra Foundation’s accomplishment of serving four billion meals.
“As an advisor to the New England Chapter and a mentor to chapters in the US and abroad, the event felt like a happy family reunion, acknowledging our shared work to combat hunger and support education,” said Mr. Kamdar. “Beyond this milestone number, it represents hope, dreams, and our ongoing dedication to making sure no child is deprived of education because of hunger.”
Those attending the event from the Boston chapter included annual gala co-chairs Ajita Bhat, Yoshika Sherring, Samatha Ganglani, and Bela Chandhok.
“Amazing, and inspiring speeches by Shri Madhu Pandit ji, Narayan Murthy ji, Kailash Satyarthiji,” said Ms. Bhat. “Heartfelt appreciation and congratulations to all the AP teams for their dedicated service and commitment over decades. Grateful and humbled to have been at the event.”
As a new member of the Akshaya Patra Boston Co-Chair team, Ms. Ganglani said that perhaps the most inspiring part of the event for her was meeting so many others from across the country who share the same passion for the cause.
“We are gifted to have such a strong and noble group of people willing to step forward and take responsibility for the success of our mission,” said Ms. Ganglani. “I’m grateful to follow in the footsteps of such dedicated leaders who truly embody the principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”
Ms. Chandhok said that the UN event was very well organized and listening to honored speakers was an incredible experience.
“Interestingly, all the speakers on the panel who spoke on behalf of the Akasyha Patra had their own unique perceptive. I enjoyed the speech by (Nobel laureate) Kailash Satyarthiji. He spoke about compassion, and I do believe that without compassion it is very unlikely for one to take action,” said Ms. Chandhok. “We the volunteers have collective compassion for the children of Akshaya Patra. I also liked when Siva Sivaraman said, “I am grateful” as it is my belief that a life of gratitude is one of abundance. It makes us appreciate things more and give back more.”
Ms. Sherring agreed with Ms. Chandhok that speakers spoke with their hearts and that is representative of what Akshay Patra is all about.
“What stood out most to me was the theme of zero hunger, food security , promoting nutrition and furthering education and the impact AP has made not only in India but on a global level,” said Ms. Sherring. “The economic progress is measurable and inequalities are being minimized thanks to the important work done by AP.”
The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA, a global leader in providing hot, unlimited mid-day meals to over two million children every day in 24,000+ schools across 16 states and two Union Territories in India, will host its annual gala on Sunday, April 28, at 5:30 PM at the Marriott Burlington Hotel in Burlington, MA.
The keynote speaker for the evening will be Neeli Bendapudi, President, Penn State University along with Board Member, Entrepreneur and Philanthropist Desh Deshpande. Akshaya Patra annual gala Emcee, Vinita Khilnani, is an actor, comedian, improvisor and singer based in Los Angeles, CA.
Throughout the years, hundreds have attended the Akshaya Patra Gala to help support the underserved children of India.
