Mangalore : “The role of Akshaya Patra in providing mid-day meals to 25,000 poor students of 145 Govt aided schools in the dist is phenomenal and commendable” opined Sri P.P. Upadhyaya Mananging Director of M.R.P.L., Mangalore. He was speaking as a chief guest at the ‘Zero to Million’ (2005-2013), Akshaya Patra Success Story Event Celebrations held on 04.11.2013 at Dr. T.M.A. Pai Intl Convention Centre, Mangalore. Further, he said that M.R.P.L. is privileged to partner the foundation in its campaign for a noble cause, that “no child should be deprived of education owing to hunger” which is the root cause for children’s dropout from the schools.

Mysore based Eminent Financial Consultant and Former Manager of Syndicate Bank Sri Janardhan Bhat was the guest of honour said that Akshaya Patra’s movement has motivated him to donate 12 food delivery vehicles costing around Rs. 1.15 crores to Akshaya Patra project and his intention was others should be inspired by this and emulate by donating very liberally to this project, he appealed.

Chief of Akshaya Patra Foundation Mangalore Unit Sri Karunya Sagar Dasa in his presidential address revealed that it is a public and private participation project where 60% is reimbursed by the Govt. and the balance is raised through public donations, which is exempted from Income Tax, he added. Further, the foundation is planning and aiming to provide meals to 1 lakh students in the near future. He also expressed his gratitude to the donors who have donated financially and supported morally. Chancellor of Manipal University Dr. Ramdas Pai and Capt. Ganesh Karnik was present on this occasion.

On this occasion, 20 major donors were felicitated and 5 meritorious students have been granted scholarship to pursue their college studies. Mrs. Laxmikumaran, Dy. General Manager of M.R.P.L. proposed a vote of thanks.