The Akshaya Patra Foundation commemorated the serving of its cumulative 3 billionth meal, in the august presence of Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The event was held at the organization’s campus in Vrindavan, Mathura, on 11th February 2019. It’s indeed a historic milestone for a Non-Profit Organization to achieve!

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Shri Ram Naik –  Honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Yogi Adityanath – Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including – Shri Shrikant Sharma – Minister of Power; Shri Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary, Minister – Dairy Development, Religious Affairs, Culture, Minority Welfare, Muslim Waqf and Haj, and Smt. Anupma Jaiswal, Minister of State – Basic Education, Child Development and Nutrition, Revenue and Finance.

The event also marked the presence of Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa – Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation; Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa – Vice-Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation; Shri Mohandas Pai – Independent Trustee, other trustees, officials, and Presidents of the Foundation from various regions.

Some of the well-known personalities from the corporate sector and other esteemed organisations, who have been the constant support throughout our journey witnessed the event.

PM Shri Narendra Modi marked a start to the celebrations by unveiling the ceremonial plaque for serving the 3 billionth meal and paying homage to His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the inspiration behind The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa welcomed and felicitated the dignitaries.

Appreciating Akshaya Patra’s endeavour, Shri Modi mentioned, “Donation given as a sense of responsibility without the thought of doing a favour, at the right place, at the right time and to deserving people is called ‘satttvik daan’. By providing nutritious meals to children of the nation for the last 18 years, Akshaya Patra is doing this ‘sattvic daan.’ For this, I extend my best wishes to all of you associated with the Foundation. Your work is extraordinary, your service is extraordinary; it is an example of incredible dedication. Everyone involved with Akshaya Patra, right from the cooks to the ones who deliver and serve food to the children are helping the nation.”