“In the evening when I go home, I get to play for a little while. And then mummy tells me I have to sit down to do my homework and that’s when I have to stop playing. If I don’t stop my play to do my studies, she gets very upset,” are the words of six year old Rabeena.

Rabeena studies in D.K.Z.P. Modern Higher Primary School, Mangalore. It is one of the schools where Akshaya Patra serves its mid-day meal. Rabeena’s mother duly appreciates the food provided at school. She says the best part of the mid-day meal is, “The menu has a variety of dishes and everyday the children get something different to eat. The food is nutritious and is provided not only to the primary classes but also to the higher grades.”

The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s vision is that “no child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger”. The Foundation works towards countering hunger and illiteracy. The mid-day meal served is always freshly cooked, nutritious and served hot. This is the reason why it also acts as an incentive to bring children back to school. In particular, according to studies conducted by A.C. Nielson on the impact of the mid-day meal scheme implemented by Akshaya Patra, it has been particularly beneficial to girls. It is also said that educating the girl child will make a tremendous difference in the future of the country.

Life for little Rabeena and her sister has been different from what it was for their mother. Rabeena’s mother Shazda only completed her 5th standard before dropping out of school. Shazda is determined of her daughters completing their education. Therefore, Shazda maintains a strict vigilance over her daughters’ education.