Diwali’s “hope-filled flame”

We live in a deeply troubled world. I admit that I sometimes can’t help feeling overwhelmed by the seeming intractability of the poverty, hunger, war and environmental destruction which plagues our fragile planet.

And yet, in the face of this stark reality, I am incredibly privileged to serve the beautiful work of Akshaya Patra every day, from which vantage point I am blessed to encounter so much innate human kindness, generosity and ingenuity.

We are of course always acutely aware that there are still four million children in the UK living in poverty and that India remains home to the world’s largest food insecure population.

However, despite the scale of the challenges ahead, we – the supporters, volunteers and staff of Akshaya Patra – steadfastly refuse to be discouraged from reaching as many hungry children as possible with our nutritious meals which help them to make the most of their all-important education.

As Diwali, the great festival of lights, once again approaches, I am encouraged to reflect on the ultimate victory of good over evil and light over darkness which I firmly believe divine providence promises. One of my favourite quotations is that of Saint Francis of Assisi, who said: “All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle”.

Though you may sometimes feel the light of your candle, your goodness, and your selflessness are being buffeted by the stormy winds of this turbulent world, I want to thank you most sincerely for keeping your passion for our mission burning as brightly as ever.

It is only with your support that Akshaya Patra can continue to shine an enduring and hope-filled flame onto the future life pathways of the disadvantaged young people we exist to serve.

Daniel Adams
Chief Executive Officer
Akshaya Patra UK