Our organization, Hare Krishna Movement Madhya Pradesh, proudly presents Akshaya
Patra—an initiative devoted to providing mid-day meals to underprivileged children in rural schools,
ensuring they receive vital nourishment to support their education. Our vision echoes a commitment
to eliminating the barrier of hunger that hinders a child's access to education in India.
Since its inception in June 2000, the Akshaya Patra Foundation has grown from feeding 1,500 children
in Bangalore to reaching over 2.1 million children daily across 70 locations in 16 states and 2
Union Territories. Recognized as the World’s Largest NGO-run Mid-Day Meal Program, our mission aims
to extend this support to 5 million children by 2030.
In collaboration with the Central Government and various State Governments, Akshaya Patra operates
through two kitchen models: Centralized Kitchens, utilizing innovative technology for large-scale
meal production in urban areas, and Decentralized Kitchens, empowering local women in less
accessible regions.
The impact of our mid-day meal program has been substantial. A study by A C Nielsen revealed
improved nutritional status, increased school enrollment, reduced dropout rates, enhanced academic
performance, and improved attention spans among participating children. Harvard Business School
recognized Akshaya Patra's operations as a case study on precision and time management, and the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India honored us with the gold shield award for excellence in
financial reporting. Join us in our mission to nourish minds and empower futures.
Embracing the wisdom of Srila Prabhupada, we acknowledge the profound significance of cows in sustaining our civilization. In the Vedic tradition, cows are revered as mothers, forming an integral part of our interconnected existence. Our duty is to extend unwavering protection to these sacred beings, for they provide not just nourishment but also uphold the very fabric of our human civilization.
According to Vedic scriptures, cows are among the seven mothers, alongside one's own mother, the
teacher's wife, the Brahmana’s wife, the king's wife, the nurse, and Mother Earth. Just as a child
is nourished by its mother's milk, society flourishes through the invaluable contributions of cows.
The bull, designated as the father of human society, parallels the father's role in providing
sustenance, tilling the earth to yield grains. Hence, harming cows threatens the very foundation of
our civilization.
The Srimad Bhagavatam emphasizes the sanctity of cows, highlighting the purity of the five products
they bestow: milk, ghee, yogurt, cow dung, and urine. These pancha-gavya are crucial elements in
Vedic rituals, reflecting the harmonious relationship between humanity and these gentle beings.
Milk, a miraculous food, contributes to the development of finer brain tissues, facilitating a
deeper understanding of life's higher purposes. Transformable into various products, it enriches our
lives with its versatility. Ghee, derived from clarified butter, not only enhances culinary delights
but also plays a vital role in sacrificial ceremonies. Even cow dung, with its antiseptic
properties, is considered a purifying agent and a source of fuel.
In Vedic society, where the economy was centered on agriculture and cow protection, Lord Krishna is
glorified as the guardian of cows and vedic culture. Hare Krishna Movement group of temples maintain
Goshalas, recognizing the indispensable role of cows. As they age and are unable to give milk, they
are relocated to Hingonia Goshala in Jaipur, where 14,000 cows are being nurtured, ensuring a
peaceful retirement amidst nature. The young bulls, full of energy, are trained for various farming
activities.
Brihat Parashara Smriti attests to the spiritual merit of caring for cows by equating daily acts of
feeding them with the virtuous Ashwamedha Yajna. Embrace this opportunity to contribute to the
well-being of these sacred beings, fostering a connection with our rich heritage.
Basil Woods, an esteemed preschool, stands as an initiative of ISKCON Bangalore, embodying a holistic approach to early childhood education. Rooted in the principles of nurturing a child's physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth, Basil Woods combines a vibrant learning environment with timeless values. Guided by the ethos of ISKCON, the preschool strives to instill values of compassion, character, and creativity in young minds. With a blend of modern educational practices and a spiritual foundation, Basil Woods is dedicated to fostering a love for learning, creativity, and a strong moral compass in the formative years of every child.
According to mainstream psychology, IQ contributes only about 20 percent to the parameters that determine an individual’s effectiveness and success, which leaves 80 % to the other factors. However, our conventional education system puts a disproportionate focus on IQ largely ignoring the other important dimensions of human well-being.
At BWIS, we lay emphasis on all the 4Qs (PQ, IQ, EQ and SQ) of development to better prepare our children and to equip them to face the world, beyond facing tests and exams.