What is Diwali?
As the end of October approaches, millions of Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains are preparing to celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights, at the end of the month. Beginning Sunday, October 27, Diwali is a 5-day festival that sparks the beginning of the fiscal year in India. As one of the most popular and celebrated Indian […]
Rhea & Rohan Bansal
“795 Million…That’s the number of malnourished kids in the world. Approximately 40 %of those kids live in India. 287 million is the number of illiterate people in India. Both of those numbers are extremely concerning, and we wanted to do something.
While visiting the Bay area in the summer of 2014, our mom came across an article on Akshaya Patra USA’s Youth Ambassador program. She encouraged us to join, and we are very proud to now be a part of the Akshaya Patra Youth Team.
Just over a year back, Akshaya Patra’s mission of simultaneously addressing childhood hunger and promoting education for underserved children in India was not well known in our hometown: Jacksonville, FL. One year later, we have raised over $6,000 towards the cause through collaboration with over 50 volunteers varying in age from 6 to 60. What started as an endeavor of two turned into an effort of many.”
Vijeeth Guggilla
“I find it appalling that hunger prevents millions of bright and eager children from attending school and achieving their full potential. When I first heard about Akshaya Patra, I was hooked. I wanted to become a part of this wonderful cause, and help out in every way possible. When I learned about the Youth Ambassador program, I knew it was perfect for me. Here was a way where I could help feed hungry children, and inspire others to help as well. I immediately applied to become an ambassador and was thrilled when accepted. With a goal of raising $1800 in my mind and heart, I set forth. However, raising money wasn’t the only goal I had in mind. I knew raising awareness was just as important, so that’s precisely what I did. I told people about Akshaya Patra. I sent emails to friends and family, spoke up at parties, gave speeches in extracurricular classes, informed teachers, cousins, and friends, and did whatever it took to reach my two goals. And $1834 later, I was happy. I had not only met my monetary goal, but also caused more people to learn of Akshaya Patra. Being a Youth Ambassador has been a great experience so far, and I hope to do my best as one for years to come”.
Ruple Jairath
“Life is full of problems, and one Tri-State student loves to problem solve. “There are multiple ways to approach a problem — that’s just life in general. You can approach and solve problems in so many ways,” said Ruple Jairath, a 16-year-old Castle High School junior…Her family visits India often, she said. Through her travels, she’s always wanted to help, so she became a youth ambassador for the Akshaya Patra Foundation — a nonprofit geared toward feeding and educating students in India. She’s raised more than $1,000, which will feed 67 children a school lunch and give them enough for education for the school year, she said.”
Anusha Kulkarni
“Feeding millions of children everyday seems like an impossible task, but when you break it down, and work together, it’s possible. I was able to get five Power of One($15 monthly recurring) members by writing individual handwritten letters. What is exciting for me is that all these donors are new to Akshaya Patra. I also intend to organize and perform in another music concert to raise more funds for Akshaya Patra. When I visit Hubli this summer to see my family, I want to visit the kitchen there and also the schools and know that I played a small part in this noble and heart warming cause.”
Eeshan Kumar
“In 10th grade, my perspective on things around the world changed after joining Akshaya Patra. I came to learn of this organization through multiple friends who were in it, and I was amazed by its mission, Unlimited food for education. For me, I had always taken the food that was served to me for granted; however, my outlook changed when I heard about many children in India who couldn’t go to school due to a lack of food.”
Sandhya Nori
“This chance to give back has given me amazing insight, and given me so much appreciation for all of the things in my life that I take for granted. It is incredibly empowering to be able to see how quickly people can come together, and what a huge difference we can make in the lives of others.”
