DRK’S NEWS LETTER Issue 018

DRK’s News Letter

Issue No: 18

May,2018

SCHOOL STUDENTS ENJOYING FRESH MEAL

Akshaya Patra - World’s largest free nutritious mid-day meal programme

Responding to long standing invitations from ISKCON- Bangalore and Akshaya Patra Foundation, I recently visited Bangalore and stayed at their iconic Radha Krishna Temple complex on Hare Krishna Hills.

The pillars of the movement His Grace Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa, President, ISKCON; Chairman, Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir; Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation and His Grace Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Vice Chairman, spent considerable time with me explaining the origin of the global ISKCON movement and their several socio spiritual activities.

The recent focus has been on their unique hygienic, nutritious

fresh mid-day meal scheme catering to the needs of over 17 lakh students studying in government schools in India.

With the vision: "No child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger," Akshaya Patra started the Mid-Day Meal Programme in June 2000 by serving mid-day meals to 1,500 children across five government schools in Bangalore, Karnataka.

A humble beginning, yet, the initial days of implementing the programme was not a smooth sail. Soon came the helping hands of Shri. Mohandas Pai, who took the initiative of donating the first vehicle to transport food to the schools;

and Shri. Abhay Jain, who promised to bring in more donors to contribute for the further expansion of the programme.

In partnership with the Government of India and various State Governments, as well as corporate philanthropic donors, the organisation is running the world’s largest nutritious hot Mid-Day Meal Programme.

Email: drkaarthikeyan@gmail.com Website: www.goodgovernance.in www.lifepositive.com

Hon’ble Shri. Narendra Modi at Akshaya Patra

DRK’S NEWS LETTER | Issue 018 2

Some of the top corporate donors include – Infosys, Tata Trusts, Bank of Tokyo, Glaxo Smithkline, Master Card and Citi Bank.

Built on a Public-Private Partnership model, Akshaya Patra combines good management, innovative technology, dedicated volunteers and smart engineering to deliver nutritious

and hygienic school lunch on every school day.

Akshaya Patra is prepared to expand the programme further. Their vision is to feed 50 lakh children as soon as possible. For which the talks are on with the concerned State Governments.

To reach out to children across the country, including the remotest corners, Akshaya Patra operates two formats of kitchen infrastructure. The format is determined by the need, terrain and accessibility of a specific location.

The staff are dedicated to the cause and adhere to a strong governance philosophy and

principles. They have qualified professionals in every area who contribute to the cause of serving children with their skill and talent.

Cost per such nutritious meal served hot and most hygienically, amounts to nearly rupees 12, of which the government subsidy is nearly 50 percent, the remaining is from contributions to the Akshaya Patra Foundation from charitable organisations.

The kitchens are among the largest Vegetarian kitchens in the world, which can cook for over one lakh children in just four hours. It now delivers hot fresh nutritive lunch to over 17 lakh students in 14,173 government schools across 12 states of India.

History of The Akshaya Patra Foundation

Looking out of a window, one day in Mayapur, a village near Calcutta, the founder of the now world-wide ISKCON spiritual movement His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada saw a group of children fighting with stray dogs over scraps of food. From this simple, yet heart-breaking incident was born a determination that no child within a radius of ten miles from the Center should go hungry.

Members of the ISKCON movement view Prabhupada as a representant and messenger of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (the proponent for the Vaishnava school of Bhakti yoga -meaning loving devotion to God, based on Bhagavata Purana and Bhagavad Gita).

In his discussion with historian Arnold J. Toynbee in London, he is quoted as saying: "I have started this Krishna Conscious Movement among the Indians and Americans and for the next ten thousand years it will increase." His inspiring resolve sowed the seeds of The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Founder, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), commonly known as the

"Hare Krishna Movement"

Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam at Akshaya Patra

DRK’S NEWS LETTER | Issue 018 3

Centralised Model

In centralised units, operations—right from procurement to delivery—are managed from a single point of control. These semi-automated kitchens, equipped with cauldrons, trolleys, rice chutes, dal/sambar tanks, etc., have the capacity to undertake large scale feeding, typically up to 100,000 mid-day meals a day. They also adhere to Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) to ensure safe handling, preparation, and delivery of the hot food.

Currently, the Foundation operates 34 centralised kitchens in 12 states of India. More than 30 new kitchens are presently at various stages of approvals.

Decentralised Model

In regions where the feasibility of establishing and operating centralised kitchens is hindered by remoteness of the area and difficult terrain, Akshaya Patra deploys the decentralised system. As a part of this system, women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) undertake the cooking process under the guidance and

supervision of the Foundation. These women are trained in cooking, nutrition, and hygiene. The Foundation has employed the

decentralised system in Baran, Rajasthan, and Nayagarh, Odisha.

Future Plans:

Requests are coming not only from other parts of India but even from abroad to begin such a unique service in their educational institutions also.

Akshaya Patra meaning inexhaustible vessel, is an object from Hindu mythology. It was a wonderful vessel which held a never-failing supply of food.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation has opened its first kitchen in London and started serving 2,000 nutritious vegetarian meals per day for free to students and the homeless.

A 2,000-sqft makeshift kitchen has been carved out of the basement of a building in Holborn where members of the UK charity Food for All make vegetable stew, pasta, and superfood porridge. Akshaya Patra has teamed up with the charity to cook and distribute the

food in vans and by rickshaws to three feeding points in London for homeless people, and to SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) and LSE (London School of Economics) for poor students.

www.akshayapatra.org

Radha Krishna Temple, Bangalore

In 1987, the society was operating from a rented house in Bangalore with installing the deity of Radha Krishna. In 1988 – a seven-acre hillock, which was nothing but a huge piece of monolithic rock was procured from BDA that described that site as waste land. A temporary shed was constructed to set up a make-shift temple and the Deities of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama moved to this shed.

The original simple temple design started in 1990 estimated to cost INR.10 crore gave way to a more stunning, unique architectural model that cost INR.32 crore. The construction started in 1990. Six hundred skilled craftsmen spent more than 10 million man-hours to construct this architectural

Former US President Bill Clinton at Akshaya Patra

ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple, Bangalore

DRK’S NEWS LETTER | Issue 018 4

wonder. 32,000 cubic meters of stone, 131,250 tons of cement and 1,900 tons of steel were used in the construction. Subsequently the temple construction was completed in 1997.

The temple and cultural complex was inaugurated by the then President of India, Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma on May 31, 1997, who said, “It gives me immense pleasure to associate myself with the inauguration of this Center for Advancement of Culture of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) here in Bangalore. This magnificent complex, a blend of tradition and modernity, is a symbol of the dedication and devotion of ISKCON to the cause of bhakti and service. It is an architectural landmark. I congratulate all those who have worked tirelessly to set up this splendid edifice”. www.iskconbangalore.org

Krishna Leela Theme Park, New project in Bangalore

Madhu Pandit Dasa was gracious enough to personally take me around the unique Krishna Lila Theme Park under construction on Vaikuntha Hills in Bangalore.

This unique religious tourism cultural complex is being set up at Vaikuntha hills, a 28 acre

hillock on Kanakapura Road, Bangalore for the presentation of the message and pastimes from the great epics of India. This will become yet another important cultural and religious tourism destination in Bangalore with the characteristics and societal benefits as any other tourism project.

This grand project is conceived by the devotees of ISKCON Bangalore and is an unprecedented historical venture

being attempted for the first time in the country.

The cultural complex is a harmonious fusion of traditional temple design and modern architecture with two temples on the ground level.

Here modern technology and management practices converge for the execution of this mega endeavor in the service of God and mankind.

The complex will also contain several classrooms, audio-visual halls, Vedic library, staff rooms, administrative offices and related facilities for the dissemination of Vedic wisdom.

This project estimated to cost of INR. 700 crores is expected to be completed by 2022

Chandrodaya Mandir – New project at Vrindavan

Chanchalapathi Dasa is in charge of the mammoth Chandrodaya Mandir project in the sacred Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh. He explains the project in the following terms –

Vrindavana Chandrodaya mandir will be the world's largest

Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh at Akshaya Patra

Model of Chandrodaya Mandir at Vrindavan

HH Dalai Lama at Akshaya Patra

DRK’S NEWS LETTER | Issue 018 5

temple cum heritage centre. It's height is 700 feet and 70 storied with a footprint of 5 acres. One can see Yamuna ever meandering inside surrounded by 20 acres of thick forest. It houses indoor theme park, university, Bhagavad Gita expo, Goshala, Vrindavana heritage village all based on value-based characters from ancient scriptures.

This skyscraper temple-cum-heritage project, conceived of by the devotees of ISKCON-Bangalore, will consist of a grand temple of Lord Sri Krishna at its centre. The grand temple shall be of monumental proportions and its iconic architecture shall harmoniously combine elements of both Indian temple architecture and modern architecture. This temple is poised to become the tallest, grandest and largest religious structure in India. The temple is planned to be vibrant with festivals and religious activities throughout the year.

A look-alike of the verdant forests of Vrindavan will be recreated around this magnificent temple. Designed by the world's best landscape designers, it will consist of the

twelve forests (dvadashakanana) of Braj, with varieties of lush vegetation, green pastures, elegant vistas of fruit bearing trees, flower laden creepers serenaded by bird songs, clear water lakes with lotuses and lilies and water falls that tumble

from small artificial hillocks.

While the Yamuna creek provides a boating opportunity for the visitors and the Krishna Lila attractions in the forest provide an entertaining experience for all the family members, the Bhagavad Gita Expo will ignite the minds and invigorate the intellect with the stupendous wisdom given by Lord Sri Krishna that forms the bedrock of the culture and the philosophy of life in India. The Krishna Heritage Museum will showcase the rich heritage and artistic celebration of Lord Sri Krishna in diverse cultures of India, practiced and perfected over thousands of years.

From the ground level, a capsule elevator will rise up through the temple core, taking visitors to the Viewing Gallery at 700 feet for a breathtaking panoramic view of Braj Mandal.

It was the desire of Srila Prabhupada, Founder Acharya of ISKCON, that the glories of Sri Krishna and Sri Vrindavana Dham be spread all over the world so that the peoples of the world irrespective of caste, creed, color, nationality or gender, are freed from the sufferings of material existence and find everlasting happiness through Krishna consciousness.

It is intended that the project should become the source and support for more social intervention programs including Akshaya Patra mid-day meal program for the economically challenged children of the area, Welfare programs for the widows of Vrindavan, Restoration of River Yamuna to her original and pristine glory, etc.

This ambitious project estimated to cost INR. 2200 crore and expected to be completed by 2022.

www.vcm.org.in.

Madhu Pandit Dasa & DRK on top of Vaihuntha Hills

Children receiving hot meals

DRK’S NEWS LETTER | Issue 018 6

Madhu Pandit Dasa was born

in Nagercoil, India. Armed with a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT-Mumbai, he dedicated himself to the service of humanity while doing his M.Tech from IIT-Mumbai in 1981.

In 1994, he initiated an integrated social development project for the benefit of rural people in Karnataka's Mysuru and Mandya districts. He set up a prototype organic farm based on environment-friendly farming methods, and an internationally-accredited farmer-training centre, on 110-acre land on the banks of the river Kaveri in Srirangapattanam. Inspired by his spiritual guru, Srila Prabhupada’s message, he initiated the Akshaya Patra school lunch programme to provide mid-day meals to children studying in five government schools in Bengaluru. He was instrumental in designing the first centralised and mechanised kitchen of Akshaya Patra, to provide mid-

day meals to underprivileged

children in Government schools of Bengaluru Rural District, in July 2000. Currently, he is involved in devising strategies for innovative new models, governance, visionary guidance

and in envisioning the path forward for the programme implementation.

Chanchalapathi Dasa, did his

Masters in Electrical Communication Engineering from Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. While pursuing his Bachelor’s degree, he came across with the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and joined with Madhu Pandit Dasa to carry forward the mission together. He became a full-time member to fullfill the vision & aspiration of his spiritual guru Srila

Prabhupada. Committed to the cause since 1984, he is currently involved in strategy, growth, and governance of Akshaya Patra and directly in charge of the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir.

DRK with Chanchalapathi Dasa

Madhu Pandit Dasa in a Central Kitchen

Padma Shri from President Pranab Mukherjee

There are

people in the

world so

hungry, that

God cannot

appear to them

except in the

form of bread.

– Mahatma Gandhi

DRK’S NEWS LETTER | Issue 018 7

A FEW AMONG THE NUMEROUS TRIBUTES –

“Feeding empty stomachs is big service to God. Akshaya Patra is doing this service, which for me, is the biggest service to humanity. Not everyone gets this opportunity, and when one organisation is doing this service, we would help it so that it can feed more empty stomachs. The Mid-Day Meal Scheme is a step towards in this direction and organisations like Akshaya Patra are playing an important role in achiveing Government’s resolve of the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan”. – Hon’ble Shri. Rajnath Singh, Home Minister, Government of India

“This has been a great visit and it is wonderful to see how Akshaya Patra is reaching out to children in a huge way and

addressing malnutrition for India’s children” – Prof. Mohammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate

"Akshaya Patra is a success story of hope, fairness, justice, and opportunity for all children." N.R Narayan Murthy, Chairman Emeritus- Infosys

"India is the world’s largest democracy, a growing economic power, and yet hunger affects over 40% of her children. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the only one of its kind organization

that does not want to exist in future because it envisions a future that does not require it." - T.V Mohandas Pai, Trustee, Akshaya Patra

"I had a dream to help the hungry.

While we thought of starting a community kitchen to feed the hungry, we were clueless as to how and where to begin. But Akshaya Patra has made my dream come true. Through my association as a Goodwill Ambassador with the Foundation, I hope to make a difference. This is truly a God given opportunity." - Shankar Mahadevan, Singer, Composer, Goodwill Ambassador of Akshaya Patra

“Its major goal of hunger elimination and promotion of education is extremely important. The great Tamil Poet

Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi said in a poem that nutrition and education are the two legs of a human being - nutrition for the body and education for the mind. Akshaya Patra is therefore devoted to the cause of improving human well being and happiness in our country. No wonder it has been named by a famous journal published

in Switzerland as one among the top 100 NGOs of the world.” - Prof. M. S. Swaminathan, Chairman, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

DRK at an Akshaya Patra Celebration

Mid-day meal ready to go to schools for service

Mid-day meal being prepared for dispatch

Selfie with the dedicated Masters of Akshaya Patra

DRK’S NEWS LETTER | Issue 018 8

According to the UN

report, India is home

to 190.7 million

undernourished

people and 38.4% of

children under five in

India are stunted.

“Environment is stronger than will

power. If you want to be spiritual, seek

good company and don’t mix with those

whose bad tendencies may wrongly

influence you. Be always with people

who inspire you; surround yourself with

people who lift you up.”

– Paramhansa Yogananda

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

- Martin Luther King

Knowing others is

your intelligence; but

managing others is

your real strength.

Knowing yourself is

your true wisdom;

but managing

yourself is your true

power. - Lao Tzu

Innovation distinguishes

between a leader and a follower - Steve Jobs

"Anyone who can solve the problems of water will be worthy of two Nobel prizes - one for peace and one for science."

- John F. Kennedy

DRK’S NEWS LETTER | Issue 018 9

With Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar at the World Biodiversity Day at the Art of Living, Bangalore

Dr. Metro Sreedharan – HRD Minister Dr. Prakash Javadekar – at the Delhi Metro Bhawan on 10th Anniversary of FRNV

Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Government of India

Diversity Day at Art of Living, Bangalore

On the World Environment Day - Nehru Stadium, Delhi

With Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar in the audience

Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister for Culture, Forests, Environment and Climate Change

At the Inauguration of Hony.

Consulate of Myanmar, Chennai

With Myanmar Ambassador Mr. Moe Kyaw Aung and the first Hony. Consul Dr. Ranganathan