‘Cchhiva prachaad’, he said when asked what his name was. The young 5-year-old, who almost crept out of being a toddler, rushed towards his head-mistress who was distributing prizes to winners of the drawing competition. It was more than amusement for these kids in the Bhovipalya Government Primary school. A group of enthusiasts from ANZ operations and technologies Pvt Ltd, eager to contribute their bit towards a social cause, had decided to visit the Akshaya Patra family.

Amazed by the technology and operational efficiency practiced in the HK hill kitchen, they planned to extend their exercise by visiting a school. The little ones had a smile which couldn’t get wider. They played, they painted while some did the song and dance act. About 80 primary school children, most of them who come from a neighboring slum, had not even dreamt about their day turning out to be fun-filled, when they left for school in the morning. ANZ is one among several other corporate who have been associated and supported Akshaya Patra... The volunteers of ANZ had come up with the idea of arranging a drawing competition. The kids drew brown mountains and blue skies where most of their dreams reach to. Some drew the tri-color marking their respect to our wonderful nation. Some drew a happy family which most belong to. Shiva Prasad was one of the winners. So was Mahesh who was applauded like a hero when he went to receive his price. Several others also had their luck that day.

As the price distribution came to an end we suddenly realized it was time for lunch. What more can the kids ask for- An eventful day and Akshaya Patra meals to top it all. Many were almost put under (mesmerized) by the aroma of hot piping sambhar. The hungry children grabbed their plates and waited in a queue to be served by their corporate volunteers.

They munched on while it brought a smile on Anil’s face. Anil who works in the Financial operations of ANZ had his personal bliss as he mingled with the kids. He had always heard about Akshaya Patra Foundation as the world’s largest NGO run school mid-day-meal programme. It was an out-of the-world experience for him to know more about how the foundation is so efficient and organized to feed about 1.2 million children everyday.

Anil’s friend Pramod even shared some lunch with one of the kids. For a couple of them, who spend most of their time in front of a computer or on the phone, it was an amazing experience to witness children eat a wholesome meal. A few others from ANZ were stunned by the capacity and efficiency of our kitchen. “It was amazing to see rice and sambhar being prepared in such huge cauldrons” said Tilak. Swarah who was awestruck with Akshaya Patra’s reach said “Akshaya Patra has been carrying on with this noble cause for about a decade now and it is nice to know that such organizations are contributing in a considerable way to help children get education”. Before they bid adieu, the team from ANZ promised to come back again with a bigger plan.