Recognition for Akshaya Patra’s efforts
Akshaya Patra’s journey over the last two decades and counting has been inspired and sustained by the goodwill, generosity and support of both ordinary people from all walks of life and of distinguished public figures, world leaders and institutions. In this blog post, we humbly share just a few of the special endorsements and honours we have been privileged to receive over the years.
BBC Global Food Champion Award
The BBC Good Food Awards presented Akshaya Patra with the Food Chain Global Champion Award. An international panel of judges chose the charity from nominations sent in by the BBC World Service audience.
The panel was headed by Iranian-American writer, chef and Netflix star, Samin Nosrat, who said: “There is nothing more important to me than getting children fed. There are so many studies which have proven that this is fundamental. I’m really moved by getting school lunches paid for in the States, and so to see it being done on such a large scale and in such an incredible way by Akshaya Patra – that was a really moving and powerful thing to see.”
Harvard Business School case studies
Academics at the world-renowned Harvard Business School in Boston, USA, have conducted in-depth research on the success of Akshaya Patra’s school feeding programmes on a few occasions, through case studies including Akshaya Patra: Impact at scale and Akshaya Patra: Feeding India’s schoolchildren.
Gandhi Peace Prize
Created to commemorate the ideals espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, the Gandhi Peace Prize is awarded annually to an individual or institution for their contribution towards social, economic or political transformation through non-violence and other Gandhian methods. Previous recipients have included Nelson Mandela.
When honouring Akshaya Patra, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said, “Akshaya Patra’s determined efforts ensure nutritious meals for many. Its outstanding work has also ensured more children go to school. I congratulate Akshaya Patra for the Gandhi Peace Prize.”