Please click below to watch the full interview with Kiran Kothari & Hareash Patel:
Register For Aksaya Patra USA Tri-State Gala: https://give.apusa.org/event/akshaya-patra
Alka: Good afternoon, friends! You are listening to EBC Radio, 1170 AM, Aapki Choice. I’m your host, Alka, and today we are shining a light on a wonderful organization called Akshaya Patra, which is the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program serving millions of children every day. Behind this mission are passionate volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to making a difference.
Joining us today are such inspiring volunteers who will share their journey, experiences, and what keeps them motivated to serve this cause. So let’s welcome Kiran Kothari and Haresh Patel to EBC Radio.
Kiranji, how are you doing?
Kiran: I’m great, thank you very much. And I must tell you that we want to thank EBC, your whole staff, and especially you for giving us this opportunity to spread the word about an important mission — getting rid of hunger for children in India.
Alka: Well, you know, Kiranji, this is such a great, noble cause and it gives me goosebumps every time I have you all on the radio. I just wonder how these little children are getting fed and how this whole organization, especially in the Tri-State area, has brought together so many people who have been supporting it. So let’s hear a little bit from Haresh Patel ji. Haresh ji, how are you doing?
Haresh: I’m doing great, and thank you for having me at EBC Radio. We are really delighted to have you providing support to Akshaya Patra.
Alka: Thank you so much for that, Haresh ji. So, let’s ask a few questions about all the volunteer and noble work you both are doing. Let’s start with you, Kiranji. Can you tell me about Akshaya Patra’s mission and the idea of Unlimited Food for Education?
Kiran: Sure. Our mission is very simple — that no child in India shall be deprived of education because of hunger. If a child comes to school hungry, it’s very hard to concentrate on education, right?
So what we do is serve midday meals in government schools all over India. You’ll be surprised to know that every single day, we prepare over 2.3 million hot, nutritious meals and deliver them to over 24,000 schools across the country. In India, kids literally wait for this meal because some of them have no food at home, which is unfortunate.
It’s a simple mission but a very important one because hunger has been a big problem in India and across the world.
Alka: Right. So how do you manage it? I mean, you feed children in India — how do you support them?
Kiran: Here’s how it works. We started in 2000, very small, serving only 1,500 children at that time. Then we quickly scaled up, thanks to the generosity of many organizations, volunteers, and supporters all over the world.
We started building and working with high-tech kitchens. Once these were ready, we were able to serve between 10,000 and 50,000 — even as high as 250,000 meals from just one kitchen. That’s the scale we operate at.
Three things are extremely important when feeding children:
It has to be nutritious — we think carefully about what we serve.
It must be hygienic — the last thing we want is for a child to get sick.
It should taste good — otherwise, even if we serve it, the kids won’t eat.
Our kitchens start at 5 a.m., and by 10 a.m. all meals are ready. Then we load them onto trucks, and literally thousands of trucks go all over India to deliver them right in time for lunch.
Alka: I’m sure they must follow a strict timeline — kids run for their lunch boxes when the bell rings! So, when the lunch break happens, the meals must reach the schools on time.
Kiran: Exactly right — and we do it every single day. We’re proud to say that we’ve not missed a single meal. Since we started, we’ve served over 4 billion meals.
Alka: Wow!
Kiran: Yes, billion with a “B.” It’s an amazing feat.
Alka: That’s incredible! Haresh ji, I know no organization can survive without fundraising. You all host galas and events. Now Akshaya Patra is having its 2025 gala — can you talk a little bit about that?
Haresh: On October 11, the Tri-State chapter of Akshaya Patra will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the Marriott Newark Airport, New Jersey.
The fundraising event will include cocktails, networking, a live performance by Pan Masala South Asia A Cappella Group, and delicious appetizers and dinner from Moghul Catering. There will also be opportunities to watch videos of our beneficiaries.
Alka: Wow! So how can our listeners or anyone who wants to be part of the gala get involved?
Haresh: The Tri-State Chapter started its first gala in 2016 in Martinsville with about 200 people attending. Over the years, support from the local community has grown — last year we had nearly 500 attendees.
To be part of this noble cause, people can visit apusa.org, click on Upcoming Events, and select Tri-State Gala to register. For further information, they can contact tristate@apusa.org
Alka: So there are two ways — visit apusa.org and click on Events, or go to tristate.apusa.org.
Kiran: Yes, that’s correct.
Alka: So they can become sponsors or buy individual tickets and attend the event?
Haresh: Yes, there are various levels of sponsorship. People can come individually or as groups — all information is available at apusa.org.
Alka: Perfect! There’s still time, so please support Akshaya Patra. The sooner, the better, so they can prepare for the food and seating arrangements.
Kiranji, you told me you’re already preparing 2.3 million meals every day. What is the long-term goal now?
Kiran: Let me share both the short-term and long-term goals. Ultimately, Akshaya Patra’s dream is not to exist — meaning, there’s no hunger left in the world. But until then, we must continue feeding more kids and improving.
We currently have 78 kitchens across India, with 12 more under construction, which will add capacity for another million meals a day. Our goal in the next two to five years is to go from 2.3 million to as high as 5 million children served daily.
The impact goes beyond numbers. When kids know they’ll receive a nutritious meal, parents — especially of girls — are more likely to send them to school. Attendance rises, health improves, academic performance increases, and children break free from the cycle of poverty.
Many beneficiaries have already graduated and become lawyers, doctors, and even staff members working in Akshaya Patra’s kitchens. We process over 500 tons of food every day, and due to our efficiency, we can feed one child for an entire school year for just $20.
Alka: That’s unbelievable — $20 for a whole school year!
Kiran: Exactly. If you think about it, you spend $40 just parking in Manhattan — that’s enough to feed two children for a year. The efficiency and scale are what make this possible.
Alka: You know, when I think about it — as parents, we focus all our energy on feeding and educating our own children. But what if each of us thought a little beyond our own family and supported even one child living in poverty?
That $20 contribution can bring light to a child’s life. In Manhattan, you can’t even buy a pretzel for $15 anymore! So, a small contribution from those listening can make a big difference to children in India who truly need our help.
So again, go to apusa.org — you’ll find all the information about how to sponsor or donate. Please, open your hearts and wallets. Even a small act can transform a life.
Kiran: That’s so true, and you said it beautifully. This gives a child a chance at life — it’s a lifeline. Many organizations do great work, but we focus on scale, impact, and efficiency.
If your passion is education, hunger relief, or women’s empowerment, Akshaya Patra touches all of those. When girls are educated, families rise. Make Akshaya Patra your weapon to fight hunger and poverty, and help create a path to a better future.
Alka: Exactly. When we go to India and see children begging outside temples and streets, it’s heartbreaking. If Akshaya Patra can support these kids so they no longer need to beg, that’s real change.
Kiran: Absolutely. This is how we not only fight hunger but also create a better future for these children. Those of us who are more fortunate and educated can now give that same opportunity to a child who doesn’t have it.
Alka: Thank you, Kiranji. Let me ask Haresh ji — how can someone help or participate as a volunteer, whether they’re an adult or youth, and be part of this grassroots movement in the U.S. to help children in India?
Haresh: Like Kiran mentioned, Akshaya Patra’s goal is that no child should be deprived of education because of hunger. Our midday meal program increases school attendance, improves health and academic performance, and breaks the cycle of poverty.
If you believe in this mission, please join your local Akshaya Patra chapter. Most states in the U.S. have one. You can spread awareness, volunteer your time, or donate.
We also have a very active Youth Ambassador Program where students support their local chapters, organize fundraisers, and spread the message in their schools. It’s a wonderful way to get involved.
Alka: Yes, youth here might not be in poverty, but volunteering with Akshaya Patra helps them gain real-world experience and develop empathy.
Haresh: Exactly! And they learn how local chapters operate, gaining leadership experience while making an impact.
Alka: Thank you so much, Haresh ji, for all this great information. Let’s wrap up now. Kiranji, what final words would you like to share with our listeners?
Kiran: My message is simple – join the Akshaya Patra team. We tackle hunger and educate kids. You don’t have to be a millionaire to make a difference. Even a small donation matters.
There are about a million people in our community in the Tri-State area. If each one gives just $20, imagine how many children we could feed every year. Help us sustain this important program — just become a part of it.
Alka: Thank you so much. Haresh ji, your last words?
Haresh: Akshaya Patra has 78 centralized kitchens in 16 states and 3 union territories, serving 2.3 million children daily. Last year, the organization was recognized by the United Nations for serving 4 billion meals.
Charity Navigator has given Akshaya Patra a 4-star rating, and 85% of funds raised by Akshaya Patra USA directly support the program.
I encourage everyone to visit a kitchen and a school when you’re in India — it’s a truly heartwarming experience.
Alka: Thank you so much, Haresh ji and Kiranji, for coming on EBC Radio. Listeners, go to apusa.org and click on Events for information about the gala. Remember — $20 feeds one child for an entire school year.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the gala on October 11th.
Thank you so much!
Haresh: Thank you.
Register For Aksaya Patra USA Tri-State Gala: https://give.apusa.org/event/akshaya-patra
