New Delhi, March 17, 2026:
Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday attended a special event at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre to mark a major milestone five billion meals served by the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
The event celebrated the foundation’s contribution to child nutrition and education across India.
A Remarkable Achievement in Nation-Building
Addressing the gathering, the President called the milestone a “remarkable achievement” that directly supports India’s educational goals. She said the theme of the event“From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India”—reflects the country’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
She emphasized that ensuring a better future for children is not just the government’s responsibility but a shared duty of society. According to her, collaboration between parents, teachers, social organisations, and the corporate sector is essential to build a strong foundation for the next generation.
Focus on Holistic Development of Children
President Murmu stressed the need to provide children with:
- Nutritious food
- Quality education
- Good healthcare
- A safe and clean environment
She noted that these factors are crucial for the holistic development of children and help them grow into responsible citizens.
Education as a Tool for Empowerment
Highlighting the role of education, she said it is the key to unlocking opportunities and shaping an individual’s future. Schools not only provide knowledge but also equip children with life skills and experiences needed to face real-world challenges.
The President praised the Akshaya Patra Foundation for its 25 years of service in tackling child malnutrition and encouraging school attendance through mid-day meals.
Government Initiatives Supporting Child Welfare
She pointed out that the Government of India has launched several initiatives to improve nutrition and healthcare for children and mothers. Among them, the PM POSHAN scheme has played a significant role in boosting school enrolment and attendance.
Studies have shown that mid-day meal programs:
- Increase school enrolment
- Improve attendance and retention
- Enhance learning outcomes
The President also noted the foundation’s contribution to the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all children by 2030.
Investing in India’s Future
Concluding her address, President Murmu said children are not just beneficiaries of welfare programs but the future architects of the nation. She described nutritious meals as an investment in India’s human capital.
“A healthy, educated, and energetic generation will drive India towards becoming a developed nation under the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047,” she said.
Key Takeaway
The event highlighted how nutrition and education go hand in hand in shaping the future of India. With continued efforts from both government and organisations like the Akshaya Patra Foundation, the country is taking steady steps toward building a stronger, healthier, and more educated society.
Source: PIB
Last Updated on: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 3:41 pm by Outlook News Team | Published by: Outlook News Team on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 3:41 pm | News Categories: Delhi
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