On August 26, S Suresh Kumar, MLA, Rajajinagar, Rajneesh Goel, Principal Secretary, Higher Education, Government of Karnataka, Mohammed Mohsin, Commissioner for Public Instruction, H R Krishnappa, Corporator, BBMP, Rajajinagar, and Bharatashrabha Dasa, Head - Communications, ISKCON, inaugurated the Ksheera Bhagya scheme by distributing flavoured milk packets to school children at the Government High School, 2nd Block, Rajajinagar.

Talking on the occasion, S Suresh Kumar, said, "The mid-day meal programme collaboration with NGOs in Bangalore has been a positive experience. We are happy that they have come forward to support the Karnataka Government's Ksheera Bhagya scheme. The NGOs have displayed dedication and have ensured commendable service. I hope that the Ksheera Bhagya scheme along with the mid-day meal scheme will have a positive impact on children's health as well as the school attendance."

Around 25,000 school children studying in various government schools in Bangalore will now receive milk from this week. Some of the areas include Rajajinagar, Malleshwaram, Yeshwanthapura, Mathikere, Mahalakshmipuram, Uttarhalli, Vasanthapura, Arehalli, RR Nagara, Jayanagar, Agara, Kaggalipura and surrounding areas will be distributed with milk.

Rajneesh Goel, appreciating the NGO's efforts said, "Initially when we wanted the NGOs to take the responsibility of supplying the milk, they expressed the infrastructure and logistics related challenges. We are happy that they have worked on these challenges and lived up to their promise. Today, Akshaya Patra has started supporting the Ksheera Bhagya programme by supplying milk to 20,000 children."

Vadivelu, a ninth standard student said, "The milk is super. I enjoy the flavoured milk, especially the mango flavoured one." Another student Saraswati, added, "I used to drink milk only once in the evening, from today I will get to drink milk in the mornings too."

Ksheera Bhagya is the flagship programme of distributing milk to school and Anganwadi children by the Karnataka Government. It was launched on August 1, 2013, by K Siddaramaiah, Chief Minister, Government of Karnataka.

Source: Cityplus; ISKCON Times