WARANGAL, DECEMBER 22, 2025: The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a distinguished implementing partner of the Government Mid-Day Meal programme, organised an Equipment Inauguration and Kitchen Walk-through ceremony at its Centralised Kitchen in Warangal. This marks a significant milestone in strengthening its operational capacity through the induction of advanced, modern, and technology-driven equipment to efficiently prepare and serve nutritious mid-day meals to school children across the region.
The state-of-the-art kitchen equipment was generously sponsored by leading financial institution HDB Financial Services, significantly enhancing the kitchen’s scale, efficiency, and service delivery capabilities. The Centralised Kitchen currently prepares and delivers fresh, hygienic, and nutritious mid-day meals to nearly 26,000 children studying in 367 government schools and Anganwadi centres across Warangal and Khilla Warangal mandals in Warangal district, as well as 550 Anganwadi centres in Hanmakonda and Bhimadevarapally mandals in Hanumakonda district.
The facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced automated systems capable of cooking rice for 1,000 children in just 15 minutes and preparing sambar for 5,000 children in under two hours. The kitchen also incorporates sustainability-focused infrastructure such as RO-treated water systems and a solar power plant ensuring eco-friendly operations with zero discharge. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Smt. Konda Surekha Garu, Hon’ble Minister for Environment & Forests and Endowment, Government of Telangana, and presided over by His Grace Sri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji, Trustee & Regional President – The Akshaya Patra Foundation – Telangana & Andhra Pradesh, along with Mr.Sathya Ramanan – Head, Emerging Markets and Gold , Mr. Sai Aakash – Regional Business Head, Emerging Markets, Mr TVS Shridhar of CPU Head. Upon arrival, the Hon’ble Minister and dignitaries were accorded a traditional Poorna Khumba Swagatham.
The programme commenced with Narasimha Homa and Purnahuti, invoking auspicious blessings for the successful functioning of the kitchen in its noble service. Following the ceremonial proceedings, the Hon’ble Minister inaugurated the Office Block and Quality Testing Laboratory, underscoring the Foundation’s strong emphasis on quality assurance, hygiene, and stringent food safety standards. Dignitaries were taken on a guided walk-through of the centralized kitchen and briefed on the end-to-end cooking processes, integration of modern technology, and strict safety and hygiene protocols. During the visit, state-of-the-art kitchen equipment—including an advanced snack production unit, automatic vegetable washing and cutting machines, automated curry-making machines, sambar cauldrons, and high-capacity rice steamers—were inaugurated to enhance efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
The dignitaries also flagged off two newly commissioned, custom-built Akshaya Patra food distribution vehicles. In a heart-warming gesture, the Hon’ble Minister and dignitaries served meals to school children, reaffirming their commitment to child nutrition and education. The event was attended by distinguished Guests of Honor including Smt. Gundu Sudharani, Mayor, Greater Warangal Municipal Corporation; Sri K. R. Nagaraju, MLA; and Dr. Satya Sharada, IAS, District Collector, Warangal, along with other public representatives, officials, and functionaries of HDB Financial Service and The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Chief Guest’s Address Addressing the gathering, Smt. Konda Surekha Garu, Hon’ble Cabinet Minister, said, “Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the worldwide Hare Krishna Movement (ISKCON), envisioned a society where no one should go hungry within a ten-mile radius of a temple. Taking inspiration from his profound vision, The Akshaya Patra Foundation was established to provide unlimited food for education. I wholeheartedly compliment the yeoman services rendered by the Hare Krishna Movement and The Akshaya Patra Foundation to society, particularly in the field of child nutrition and education. The Government of Telangana assures all possible support to further strengthen and expand these noble initiatives.”
Addressing the media, His Grace Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji emphasised, “The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s unwavering commitment to providing wholesome and nutritious meals that support children’s health, education, and overall well-being. He stated that the use of modern technology and efficient kitchen systems enables the Foundation to deliver meals at scale while maintaining the highest standards of quality and hygiene. He expressed his sincere gratitude to Smt. Konda Surekha Garu, Hon’ble Minister, for her valuable guidance and steadfast support in expanding Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal services across the Warangal region. He also conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to HDB Financial Services for generously sponsoring the entire kitchen equipment, which has significantly strengthened the kitchen’s operational capacity. He further thanked the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government officials, donors, and well-wishers for their constant encouragement and cooperation, noting that their collective support continues to reinforce Akshaya Patra’s mission of combating classroom hunger and enhancing child nutrition and health”.
About The Akshaya Patra Foundation: The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a social impact organization committed to addressing classroom hunger and supporting children’s health and education. As an implementing partner of the Government of India’s PM POSHAN scheme, Akshaya Patra serves 23.50 Lakh mid-day meals to beneficiary children across 25,000+ Govt. schools across India, currently feeds 2.50 Lakh children in more than 2500 Govt. schools across Telangana, contributing to improved child health, increased school enrolments, attendance & retention and better learning outcomes. Akshaya Patra has established a robust operational network, currently functioning in 78 locations across 16 states and 3 union territories. It has set up 76 state-of-the-art centralized kitchens—globally recognized for their scale, efficiency, and food safety standards—and adopted the decentralized model in two locations where setting up centralized infrastructure is difficult due to difficult terrain and road connectivity. Akshaya Patra continuously forges partnerships and leverages technology to cater to millions of children and has served over 4 billion meals since 2000. The momentous milestone was commemorated at a special event at the UN headquarters in New York on 2 April 2024.
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