Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Dec 23: The ambitious mega kitchen project conceived by Akshaya Patra Foundation being run by Iskcon went under way near Canara College at Benjanapadavu with the foundation stone laying ceremony held there on Friday December 22. The project, which supports the midday meal programme of state and central governments, plans to feed 50,000 hungry children. The project is being executed in association with GT Foundation and Diya Systems Mangalore Pvt Ltd.

State food and civil supplies minister, U T Khadaer, speaking on the occasion, said that the government is planning to extend the midday meal programme for poor students attending colleges. Dakshina Kannada district in-charge minister, B Ramanath Rai, appreciated Iskon's Akshaya Patra Foundation for providing hygienic and tasty food to school children.

Chief executive officer of Diya Systems, Dr V Ravichandran, who bought and donated land at Benjanapadavu for the project, said that he took up this project as he feels that making hungry people happy is in fact, service to the Lord. Bishop of Mangalore, Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza, in his message, praised the project as god's call for service is being heard and followed here. Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji of Palimar Math Udupi said that this programme will earn the grace of Lord Krishna directly as school students represent Lord Krishna. Vandana Tilak of Iskcon extended best wishes.

Sri Rajeevalochana Dasa, president of Akshaya Patra Foundation Hubballi - Dharwad, and Karunya Sagara Dasa of Mangaluru unit presided. Junior Swamiji of Admar Math,Eshapriyateertha Swaiji, vice president of Akshaya Patra Foundation, Chanchalapatidasa, president of Dakshina Kannada zilla panchayat, Meenakshi Shantigodu, taluk panchayat president, Chandrahas Karkera, MRPL managing director, H Kumar, general manager of Karnataka Bank, B Nagaraja Rao, Yenepoya Abdulla Kunhi, MLC, Capt Ganesh Karnik, MLA, J R Lobo and others were present.