July 14^th saw a great fervour and enthusiasm at ISKCON temple, Rajajinagar, Chord Road as 97 biker enthusiasts from all over Bangalore assembled early morning for a motorcycle rally all the way to the Vaikuntha Hill Akshaya Patra Kitchen on Kanakpura Road. A whopping total of 150 individuals from across the city came together to support a noble cause to end child hunger and promote education by providing children with daily mid-day meals.

The rally began with inspirational speeches presented by four dignitaries from The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF) and ISKCON. Executive Director of Akshaya Patra, Sridhar Venkat gave the audience an insight into the functioning of TAPF kitchens and how important it is to ensure and maintain a high standard of quality of food all the time. Chanchalapathi Dasa, Vice Chairman of TAPF highlighted the philosophy behind the Foundation’s vision and mission. Based on statistical information, Chairman of the Foundation, Madhu Pandit Dasa stressed on various facts like the importance of providing a nutritious meal to children who are the future of the country. The session was very enlightening to the audience.

The rally was kick started by Madhu Pandit Dasa who was accompanied by Dr. C.N Ashwath Narayan, MLA, Malleswaram. As an inaugural gesture, they both rode two bikes for a short distance and boosted the spirits of the participants. The entire event was a great success with most of the participants pledging to spread the message and create awareness about this cause. Most of them were keen on making donations to the Foundation immediately after the ride.

Volunteers included biker enthusiasts from various groups like the Royal Indian Enfield Owners Club, Bangalore Motorcycle Club and Royal Riders’ Club. All the volunteers came forward to support the rally because it was for a cause pertaining to children.