Education – President Murmu Highlights School Nutrition Role in Learning Outcomes
Education – President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday underlined the critical role of proper nutrition in shaping better educational outcomes for children, while appreciating the Akshaya Patra Foundation for reaching the significant milestone of serving five billion meals across the country. The initiative, she noted, has contributed meaningfully to strengthening school education in India.
Nutrition Linked to Educational Progress
Addressing a commemorative programme held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre, the President said that the achievement reflects how nutrition directly influences learning and development. She pointed out that the idea of a well-nourished and educated population is central to India’s long-term aspiration of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Murmu stressed that children’s growth and future prospects depend on both access to education and adequate nutrition. According to her, school-based meal programmes play a vital role in ensuring that children are physically prepared to engage in learning activities.
Shared Responsibility for Child Welfare
Highlighting the broader responsibility of society, the President said that securing a safe and promising future for children cannot rest solely on government efforts. She called for collaboration among communities, institutions, and policymakers to ensure that children receive education, healthcare, proper nutrition, and a safe environment.
Her remarks reflected the need for a coordinated approach, where multiple stakeholders work together to address the diverse needs of young learners across the country.
School Meals Encourage Attendance
Murmu also spoke about the impact of school meal schemes in improving enrolment and attendance rates. Referring to the government’s PM POSHAN programme, she noted that such initiatives not only address malnutrition but also act as a motivating factor for children to attend school regularly.
She added that efforts by organisations like the Akshaya Patra Foundation are aligned with broader national programmes such as the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all children by 2030.
Long-Term Investment in Human Capital
Emphasising the long-term benefits of nutritional support, the President described school meals as an investment in the country’s future workforce. She explained that the quality of nutrition children receive today will shape their physical and cognitive abilities, ultimately contributing to national development.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation, which has been working on mid-day meal programmes for over 25 years, was recognised for its sustained contribution to this effort.
Government and Institutional Support
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the foundation’s role as a key partner in implementing the PM POSHAN scheme. He stated that achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047 would require ensuring that every child has access to nutritious food and remains connected to the education system.
The event was attended by the foundation’s founders, Madhu Pandit Dasa and Chanchalapathi Dasa, along with other dignitaries, marking a significant moment in the journey of school nutrition initiatives in India.