World NGO Day: Celebrating NGOs and Akshaya Patra’s Impact
World NGO Day is observed annually on February 27, commemorating the vital contributions of NGOs to create an inclusive and equitable society. This article explores the origin of this day, how it is celebrated and how NGOs like Akshaya Patra make an impact.
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Every year, February 27 is observed as World NGO Day, acknowledging and honouring the vital role NGOs play in addressing societal issues and shaping a better world. By raising awareness, identifying gaps and helping governments tackle challenges in implementing policies or initiating their own programmes, they act as a watchdog of public welfare. This ability to reach the grassroots level makes them a vital component of social development.
Origin of World NGO Day
Marcis Skadmanis, a Latvian-British philanthropist, is the visionary behind World NGO Day. The idea he conceptualised in 2010 was officially recognised on 17 April 2010 by 12 member countries of the Baltic Sea NGO Forum. This day was officially launched globally on 27 February 2014 in Helsinki, Finland, with the participation and support of the United Nations, European Union and other international organisations.
Since its inception, World NGO Day has evolved into an international observance, acknowledging the efforts of NGOs and encouraging collaboration. Today, it is celebrated across six continents, bringing leaders, corporates and communities to the table, fostering discussions for solutions and long-term impact.
How Different Entities Celebrate the Day
• NGOs and Non-Profits
They share their beneficiaries’ stories, highlight their milestones and showcase the impact they have made in the community.
• Government Bodies
They show how welfare activities are implemented and executed in collaboration with NGOs, proving the success that Public-Private Partnerships can bring.
• Corporates
They present their CSR initiatives and social impact achieved through their programmes.
• Volunteers
They conduct volunteering activities and encourage more individuals to contribute their time and skills.
How Akshaya Patra Makes an Impact?
Akshaya Patra is a not-for-profit organisation in India dedicated to make an impact through nutritious meals. What began in 2000 with feeding 1,500 children in five schools in Bengaluru, Karnataka, has now grown to feeding 2.35 million children across 16 states and 3 UTs. In partnership with the Government of India for the smooth implementation of PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal Programme or MDM), the organisation envisions a day when no child compromises on education because of hunger.
Incorporating Sustainability through Innovation
While working towards a social cause, it is also crucial to do so without harming the earth. Akshaya Patra incorporates sustainability in several realms of their operations to reduce its environmental impact, such as:
• Solar Powered Kitchen
Akshaya Patra integrates solar energy into its kitchen operations, reducing their carbon footprint.
• Biomass Briquettes
Instead of using non-renewable energy like coal, charcoal, Akshaya Patra uses biomass briquettes for energy production.
• Biogas for cooking
The organisation has incorporated the usage of biogas for sustainable cooking, converting organic waste into fuel.
• Electric Vehicle Fleet
Electric vehicles are used for meal distribution to reduce emissions and promote eco-friendly logistics.
Besides the School Feeding Programme, they also have other programmes such as:
• Scholarship Programme
Providing financial aid to children who have performed well in academics, helping them continue pursuing their dreams.
• Morning Nutrition Programme
Understanding that many children come to school on an empty stomach, Akshaya Patra started this programme to provide nutritious snacks such as millet-and-peanut chikkis, roasted peanuts and puffed rice to help them start their day with nourishment.
• Akshaya Patra Alumni Network (AAN)
This is a network of Akshaya Patra beneficiaries to provide them with job counselling and upskilling, to reach new heights in the future.
• National Endeavour for Student Transformation
School Rejuvenation Programme
To ensure children’s safe, dignified learning and meal experience by improving classrooms, dining areas, infrastructure and sanitation facilities.
Giving Every Dream a Chance (GEDAC)
This programme’s mission is to bridge the opportunity gap by providing mentorship, coaching and resources in fields like arts, sports and academics.
• Homeless Mothers Feeding Programme
The programme serves thousands of mothers in Vrindavan with hot, nutritious meals every day, thus helping them live with dignity.
• Anganwadi Feeding Programme
Provide nutritious meals to toddlers, pregnant and lactating mothers, ensuring early nutrition.
• Disaster Relief Programme
Akshaya Patra is always at the forefront in times of disasters, providing relief to the survivors with meals and other essentials.
The organisation’s work aligns directly with the UN SDGs 2 and 4 – Zero Hunger and Quality Education and indirectly with several other SDGs.
Milestones of Akshaya Patra
2000 - Begins with the feeding of 1,500 children from five schools in Bengaluru, Karnataka
2003 - Becomes the first NGO to start a public-private partnership in the school feeding space
2007 - Harvard Business School publishes a case study on Akshaya Patra
2012 - 1 billion cumulative meals
2016 - 2 billion cumulative meals
2019 - 3 billion cumulative meals
2024 - 4 billion cumulative meals
What Akshaya Patra looks forward to?
Akshaya Patra’s mission is to serve 3 million children mid-day meals and 3 million children morning nutrition by 2030. Their vision is clear - No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger. By ensuring nutrition and education, the organisation strives to provide a happy childhood for all, while contributing to nation-building.
On this World NGO Day, support Akshaya Patra’s school feeding efforts. Together, let’s bring more children within the ambit of the Mid-Day Meal Programme (MDM). Donate today.
