President Murmu Hails Akshaya Patra’s 5 Billion Meal Milestone, Links Nutrition to ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ Vision

President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday lauded the Akshaya Patra Foundation for serving five billion mid-day meals, calling it a landmark achievement that strengthens India's journey toward a well-nourished, educated and developed nation.

Speaking at a commemorative event held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, the President underscored the critical link between nutrition, education and nation-building, aligning the milestone with India's long-term vision of 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047.

5 Billion Meals: A Milestone in Social Impact

Describing the achievement as "remarkable," President Murmu said the scale of Akshaya Patra's work demonstrates how nutrition interventions can directly support educational outcomes.

The event's theme — "From a Well-Nourished and Well-Educated India to a Developed India" — reflects the growing recognition that human capital development begins with basic needs like food and schooling.

Shared Responsibility for Children's Future

The President emphasised that ensuring a secure and bright future for children is a collective responsibility, not just the government's.

"When teachers, parents, social organisations, the corporate sector and society work together, we lay a strong foundation for the coming generation," she said.

She highlighted the need to guarantee every child:

• Nutritious food

• Quality education

• Good health services

• A safe and clean environment

Education as a Tool for Empowerment

Calling education a transformative force, the President said schools play a critical role in shaping individuals into responsible and capable citizens.

"Education determines opportunities in life and paves the way for success," she noted, adding that the process of empowerment begins from the moment a child enters school.

Mid-Day Meals Driving Enrolment and Learning

The President highlighted the success of the government's PM POSHAN (mid-day meal) programme, noting that it has significantly improved:

• School enrolment

• Attendance and retention rates

• Learning outcomes and academic performance

Studies have consistently shown that providing meals in schools acts as a strong incentive for families to send children to school.

Akshaya Patra's 25-Year Contribution

Commending the foundation's 25 years of service, President Murmu said its work has been instrumental in:

• Combating child malnutrition

• Encouraging school participation

• Supporting national education missions

She noted that Akshaya Patra plays a vital role in advancing the goals of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all by 2030.

Nutrition as Investment in Human Capital

The President stressed that children benefiting from meal programmes are not just recipients of welfare, but future nation-builders.

"The nutritious food they receive today is an investment in our nation's human capital," she said.

Healthy, educated and energetic children, she added, will form the backbone of India's workforce and drive economic growth.

Government Initiatives Strengthening Child Welfare

The President also pointed to various government programmes aimed at improving:

• Maternal and child nutrition

• Healthcare access

• Early childhood development

These initiatives, combined with school meal schemes, are creating a comprehensive support system for child development.

Toward a Developed India by 2047

Linking the milestone to India's long-term vision, President Murmu said building a developed nation requires sustained investment in children.

"A nourished and educated society is essential to achieving 'Viksit Bharat'," she said.

Building the Foundation for the Future

The celebration of five billion meals marks not just a numerical milestone, but a symbol of collective effort in nation-building.

By integrating nutrition with education, initiatives like Akshaya Patra are helping shape a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive—laying the groundwork for a stronger, healthier and more prosperous India.