Sonali Kulkarni, Bollywoad actress, Gorakshanath Gambhire, COO, Annamrita Foundation, Dr. Radha Krishna Das CEO & Founder, Annamrita Foundation, Dipak Kesarkar, Education Minister, Maharashtra, HBP Ausekar Maharaj, President, Vithhal Rukhmini sanshtan, Pandharpur.

Afternoon Voice, a renowned media organization, conferred the esteemed Maharashtra Ratna Award upon Annamrita Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing nutritious meals to underprivileged children. The felicitation ceremony took place in the presence of distinguished guests, including Dipak Kesarkar, Education Minister of Maharashtra, Bollywood actress Sonali Kulkarni, Dr. Vaidehi Taman, MD of Afternoon Voice, and HBP Ausekar Maharaj, Head of Pandharpur Devasthan.

Dr. Radha Krishna Das, CEO, and Gorakshanath Gambhire, COO of Annamrita Foundation, graciously accepted the award on behalf of the organization. In their address, they dedicated the award to Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), and the entire Annamrita Foundation team.

The Maharashtra Ratna Award recognizes Annamrita Foundation’s tireless efforts in serving over 1.2 million meals daily to children across Maharashtra, promoting education, health, and well-being. The organization’s selfless work has positively impacted the lives of countless children, empowering them to reach their full potential.

Education Minister Dipak Kesarkar praised Annamrita Foundation’s contributions, saying, “Your work is not just about providing meals, but about nurturing young minds and shaping India’s future.”

Sonali Kulkarni added, “Annamrita Foundation’s dedication to the welfare of underprivileged children is truly inspiring. This award is a testament to their unwavering commitment.”

Dr. Vaidehi Taman emphasized, “Afternoon Voice is proud to recognize Annamrita Foundation’s exemplary service to society. Their work embodies the spirit of Maharashtra Ratna.”

HBP Ausekar Maharaj blessed the organization, saying, “May Annamrita Foundation continue to serve humanity with compassion and devotion.”

Dr. Radha Krishna Das expressed gratitude, saying, “This award is a humble recognition of our efforts. We dedicate it to Shrila Prabhupada’s vision and our team’s relentless efforts. We will strive to continue serving humanity with love and care.”

The Maharashtra Ratna Award serves as a motivation for Annamrita Foundation to expand its reach and further its mission of providing nutritious meals to those in need.

About the Annamrita Foundation

Annamrita Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 2004, providing nutritious meals to underprivileged children in India. With a presence in multiple states, Annamrita aims to eradicate hunger and promote education, health, and well-being.

Committed to the vision of providing “Food for Life,” it undertakes several projects aimed at addressing food insecurity and promoting nutrition and well-being among vulnerable populations. Some of the key projects of Annamrita Foundation include:

1. Mid-Day Meal Program: Annamrita Foundation’s flagship initiative is the Mid-Day Meal Program, which provides nutritious meals to school children across India. By partnering with government schools and other educational institutions, the foundation ensures that children receive a balanced meal every school day, promoting regular attendance, improving learning outcomes, and combating malnutrition.

2. The Non-Aided School Feeding Program is a vital component of Annamrita Foundation’s efforts to address food insecurity and promote education among underprivileged children. Unlike government-aided schools, non-aided schools often struggle to provide nutritious meals to their students due to limited resources. Annamrita Foundation steps in to fill this gap by offering a comprehensive feeding program tailored to the specific needs of non-aided schools.

3. Hospital Patients’ Relatives Feeding Program: Recognizing the challenges faced by families of hospitalized patients, Annamrita Foundation operates feeding programs in hospitals. By providing nutritious meals to patients’ relatives, the foundation eases their burden and ensures they have access to essential sustenance during times of stress and uncertainty.

4. Old Age Home Feeding Program: Annamrita Foundation extends its support to elderly residents of old age homes by providing them with nutritious meals. Through this program, the foundation aims to address food insecurity among the elderly and promote their health and well-being in a compassionate and dignified manner.

5. Orphans Feeding Program: Orphaned children often face significant challenges, including limited access to nutritious food. Annamrita Foundation’s Orphans Feeding Program seeks to alleviate this issue by providing regular meals to children living in orphanages. By ensuring that these children receive proper nutrition, the foundation helps improve their overall health and quality of life.

6. Pregnant Women Support Program: Proper nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the health and well-being of both mother and child. Annamrita Foundation’s Pregnant Women Support Program offers nutritious meals and support services tailored to expectant mothers. By addressing the unique nutritional needs of pregnant women, the foundation contributes to healthier pregnancies and births.

About Afternoon Voice

Afternoon Voice is a leading media organization recognizing excellence in various fields through awards like the Maharashtra Ratna.