Gurugram: Nissan Motor India Pvt. Ltd. (NMIPL) and The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF), one of India’s largest non-profit organisations, have been working together since January 2023 to support the food and nutritional requirements of the children pursuing their elementary education in Government schools of New Delhi. This collaborative initiative, undertaken by Nissan Motor India and The Akshaya Patra Foundation, reflects a shared commitment to building a healthier future for the country by fostering a robust and educated human workforce.
Key Outcomes of the Project
- With the support of NMIPL, TAPF provided nutritious 50 lakh meals to students in 2023.
- The programme has positively impacted over 49,000 students from low-income communities between January and December 2023.
- Meals have been successfully distributed to over 300 schools as part of the programme’s outreach.
- Each meal directly contributed to the health and well-being of a child, laying the groundwork for a healthy childhood.
- Well-nourished children are not only more likely to thrive academically but also experience improved performance, paving the way for increased opportunities in their future endeavours.
Commenting on the initiative, Rakesh Srivastava, Managing Director, Nissan Motor India, said, “The collaboration between Nissan Motor India and Akshaya Patra reflects our shared commitment to make a lasting difference in the society in alignment with the Prime Minister’s POSHAN initiative. By addressing crucial issues of nutrition and education, we are investing in the future of children. Through this partnership of providing meals, we are addressing the challenge of students supporting them with a promise of a better tomorrow driving a positive change and empowering the young generation.”
The School Meal Programme, sponsored by Nissan Motor India, has been effectively implemented through four Akshaya Patra kitchens in New Delhi. This programme aligns with the objectives of the Mid-Day Meal initiative by the government, addressing vital issues such as food security, nutrition enhancement, increased school attendance, reduced dropout rates, and elimination of discrimination among children.
Expressing gratitude to Nissan for its invaluable support of this noble cause, Bharatarshabha Dasa, National President of Operations and Projects of Akshaya Patra Foundation, remarked, “We are delighted to share the success of our collaboration with Nissan in serving a substantial number of meals to school students in New Delhi throughout 2023. The School Meal Programme, a joint effort with Nissan Motor India, not only aligns with the Prime Minister’s POSHAN initiative but also addresses crucial issues like food security, enhanced nutrition, increased school attendance, reduced dropout rates, and the elimination of discrimination among children. We remain committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of these students.”
The programme’s significant impact on reducing micronutrient deficiencies and strengthening children’s immunity against infections has been complemented by regular consumption of Mid-Day Meals. This has not only improved the overall well-being of the children by decreasing the prevalence of anaemia and promoting healthy weight and height development but has also played a crucial role in their educational journey. Well-nourished children are more likely to thrive academically, resulting in improved performance and increased opportunities for their future.
Nissan Motor India and Akshaya Patra Foundation are committed to building a brighter and healthier future for the nation by nurturing a strong and well-educated workforce. This collaborative effort persistently provided sustained nourishment and empowerment to the children, ensuring a future that is not only brighter but also healthier for them.
