Akshaya Patra
I engage in volunteering activities and I am a fundraising advocate for the international organization, Akshaya Patra. The foundation encourages underprivileged children in India to attend school by providing them free meals.
The kitchens that provide food to the schools, start at 2:00 am with meal preparation. Once the meals are packaged they are delivered to schools in insulated vehicles to keep the food warm and fresh. The kitchens use mechanized systems to produce large quantities of Indian flat breads and vegetables. The organization also supports the farmers by buying local produce.
I traveled to the schools in Vrindavan and Nagpur, spending two weeks interacting with the children and teachers. I witnessed the direct impact of the kitchen’s initiative. After the food satiated the children’s hunger, they could focus on their education that would help them succeed in future careers. The children would no longer have to be physical laborers; they could now be teachers, salespeople, and much more. Especially by educating girls, the foundation bridges the gender gap, promoting equality in their community and beyond. The organization’s efforts in providing food and education not only solve the immediate problem of hunger but empower generations as well.
I am motivated by the organization’s broad impacts that parallel the UN Sustainable Development Goals of Zero Hunger and Quality Education. By spreading awareness and raising funds, I find meaning in being the voice for these children and advocating for their future.
National Honor Society
Through NHS, I have volunteered at community events, including Ted Talks and parent information nights. I have also tutored students in STEM. This is a continuation from National Junior Honor Society that I was a part of in middle school.