When Karnataka Primary and Secondary Education Board examination paper pattern for 10th standard for 2009-10 has been reviewed, with the ratio of marks for descriptive type questions and multiple choice questions, parents and teachers of those students studying in govt. schools across the state was anxious, let alone students on how they will cope with the new pattern. However for Gururaj kulkarni studying in GJC govt.

He gripped the spoon tightly, shying away and looking through the corner of his eyes. In just an audible whisper, he said that his favorite meal was rice and sambhar, that he also liked sweet. He put another spoonful of rice into his mouth with a happy smile.

13 year old Prateek is a special child suffering from cerebral palsy. Born in a middle class family, Prateek goes to the Aruna Chetana, a school for children with special needs where Akshaya Patra also serves the mid-day meals. Almost all the children eat Akshaya Patra’s freshly cooked food everyday at lunch.

A huge smile spread across Yogitha’s face as she put the phone’s receiver down. She had been talking to a prospective donor who had confirmed to her that he was more than willing to donate a considerable amount to Akshaya Patra’s noble cause. The smile at the end of the call was the highlight because it seemed like the after-effect of Yogitha’s conversation was similar at the other end of the line as well. Yogitha, a fundraiser, is part of the foundation’s tele-marketing team.