Bangalore, India - The Akshaya Patra Foundation, the world's largest NGO run school meal program which currently feeds over 9 lakh children across the country every day, has found one more supporter in the form of Manipal Foundation, also an NGO involved in numerous social causes. The later has pledged support to Akshaya Patra which will result in the form of mid-day meals for over 5000 school children kids, at a total outlay of Rs 60 lakh.

Commenting on the addition of Manipal Foundation among its growing list of donors, Shri Madhu Pandita Das said, "It is a splendid gesture from Manipal Foundation to help Akhsaya Patra feed more children. We are indebted to Mr Ramdas Pai and his fraternity of doctors and trustees who have found our work to be good. Manipal Foundation is synonymous with public service and has been in the forefront of many activities that have helped the needy and those in distress. By assisting Akshaya Patra they have added one more level of achievement and I hope that this will serve as a model for other charitable foundations and trusts to associate with Akshaya Patra in helping it achieve our national and common goal of making every child in India literate and dispel the lack of food as an obstacle to education. The funds that Manipal Foundation has entrusted us will go a long way in making our vision of reaching out to one million children everyday by the end of 2010 so much more plausible."

Dr. Ramdas Pai, Managing Trustee, Manipal Foundation and Chairman - Manipal Education and Medical Group said, "We are very impressed and happy with Akshaya
Patra's achievements in the last eight years and are happy to do our mite for the children and their education. Manipal Foundation has always striven to assist the neglected sector of the society in whatever ways possible and The Akshaya Patra Foundation was the best way to fulfill one part of our ambition - to contribute to the well being of the nation, to feed the hungry and help mitigate illiteracy."

While the Manipal Foundation has contributed to numerous causes, this is the first time that they have ventured into a food programme. The funds provided by the Foundation will be used specifically for providing Mid-day meals in Mangalore district, where Akshaya Patra already has a full fledged kitchen.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT :

Ms. VEENA D'SOUZA
M/s. K2 Communications PR
Bangalore, India
E-Mail : veena.dsouza@k2communications.in