Karnataka | Around 2,814 schools and roughly 4.43 lakh children in Karnataka are being served the mid-day meals cooked by the Akshay Patra Foundation run by ISKCON.
A recent report by The Hindu in May pointed out that the food does not consist of onions and garlic. The children consuming these meals are familiar with the taste of it and therefore do not like the taste of the served food in their absence. This is leading to food wastage, as they are refusing to eat.
In the report, activists have urged the State Government to cancel the MDM contract with ISKCON on the grounds that it is trying to impose its religious beliefs on lakhs of children.
The NIN(National Institute of Nutrition) was asked to make a report on the nutritional values provided in the meals by the APF.
According to The Hindu report, activists circulated an open letter that questioned the NIN’s methodology to arrive at its decision. They accused the body of concluding without contemplating testimony from the children.
Meanwhile, Twitter is divided into two opinions: Ones that are accusing the foundation of ‘religious imposition’ and the ones who are opined the food is nutritious.
Akshay Patra is not only a magnificent organisation, it is almost an ideal. It actually does the work. It walks the talk. It doesn’t waste time screaming about the work. It represents an high ideal indeed.
— HindolSengupta (@HindolSengupta) June 3, 2019
Brahmanical food imposition by Akshay Patra. 2-3% are imposing their food on the majority. Mid Day Meal is not charity, it is a right.. https://t.co/zRuhvfcgmN
— sreejith murali (@sreejithmanu) June 4, 2019
This is a conspiracy against d Akshay Patra Foundation financed by the soul harvesters, because TAPF is a proudly Hindu organisation. TAPF has been providing meals for over 9 crore school children in India and are known for their stringent quality control, taste and hygiene. https://t.co/vYeULDR5oJ
— Shefali Vaidya ஷெஃபாலி வைத்யா शेफाली वैद्य (@ShefVaidya) June 2, 2019
I have visited several Akshay Patra kitchens. They are neat, clean, tidy & are providing nutritious hot food to school children. They are doing phenomenal work. I rate them as one of the most outstanding institution who do their work in a professional, simple, quiet manner. https://t.co/BMXwqWsc2x
— Amitabh Kant (@amitabhk87) June 3, 2019
The motto of serving MDM is to attract more poor kids to school. If they don’t get any taste in food then the MDM policy is losing somewhere. Govt and Akshay Patra should consider this problem.
— Ms_Sanskriti (@MsSanskriti) June 1, 2019
Difficult to believe. As a part of CSR activity I have been to schools with Akshay Patra meals. Served and dined with them. The sambhar that is full of vegetables tastes awesome. No wastage whatsoever.
I strongly recommend to people who are desperate for truth to eat the meal.
— Saswata Banerjee (@SaswataBanerj18) June 2, 2019
The attack on Akshay Patra is a hit job. The bland taste argument is ridiculous. Have worked with another similar firm Annamrita in Mumbai and I know for a fact that kids love the food.
— कुशल मेहरा (@kushal_mehra) June 2, 2019
There is no new word from the organisation.
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