JAMMU/KATRA: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday laid the foundation stone for Akshaya Patra Foundation’s centralized kitchen facility in Katra, aimed at providing 5,000 nutritious meals daily to school children once operational.
Addressing the gathering, LG Manoj Sinha emphasized the importance of nutrition in education, stating that a hungry child cannot learn effectively and quality education must be supported by healthy, balanced meals. He called for stronger collaboration between the government and social organizations to ensure no child is deprived of nutritious food.
“Education and nutrition go hand in hand. When we provide healthy meals in schools, we are not just filling stomachs, we are shaping the future of our nation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
He highlighted that the health, education, and confidence of children are a collective responsibility of society, adding that the nutrition of today’s younger generation will define the future of Jammu & Kashmir and India.
The Lieutenant Governor also praised the Akshaya Patra Foundation for its contribution in the school meal sector. The NGO is currently serving over 20 lakh children across 16 states and 3 Union Territories. He also announced future expansion plans of Akshaya Patra in Jammu & Kashmir, including an upcoming kitchen facility in Jammu.
On the occasion, LG Manoj Sinha personally served meals to school children.
The event was attended by Bharatarshabha Dasa, National President & Trustee of Akshaya Patra Foundation, MLAs Baldev Raj Sharma and Kuldeep Raj Dubey, senior administrative officials, education department representatives, police officers, and students.
