On March 29, 2017, the Akshaya Patra Foundation has started an innovative programme in Tripura stat called Great India Talent School (also known as Mahan Bharat Pratibha Vidyalaya), an initiative to recognise, nurture and build talent among marginalised families in the state. With the programme being a huge success, the Tripura government has request the Foundation to extend their operations and include more communities that require such support.
Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation headquartered in Bengaluru, strives to fight issues like hunger and malnutrition in India by implementing the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in Government schools and Government aided schools.
Great India Talent School was inaugurated in Kashiram Para, Kanchanpur Sub-division, Tripura. This project, which has been initiated and led by Great India Talent Foundation, will receive support from Akshaya Patra and Sadhak Ratanmani Seva Sadan.
This project has been initiated by Great India Talent Foundation under the guidance of Shri Madhu Pandit Dasa, Chairman; and Shri Chanchalapati Dasa, Vice Chairman, with the conviction that India has a large rural population with innumerable abilities and talents which go untapped. On the lines of the ancient Indian Gurukul philosophy, the school aims to identify and nurture the natural inclination of children. Each individual is different with varied strengths and needs; the school will recognise this important aspect and train the children accordingly.
The management will oversee the growth of this important initiative which is poised to tremendously impact the lives of thousands of children and thereby immensely contribute to the development of the North-East India.
The inauguration was graced by His Holiness Tridandi Swami Bhakti Kamal Vaishnava Maharaj, His Holiness Shri Chitta Maharaj and Shri Y Raghavulu, Joint Secretary, Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Great India Talent School focuses on children’s education who belong to Reang Tribe of Tripura as well as will also provide textbooks, notebooks, uniform and mid-day meals to the children on an entirely free of cost basis. As of now, 255 children have been admitted into the school. Most importantly, the school will have a major role in the development of Reang community in Tripura.
The Great India Talent School conducted its first annual examination in December 2017 for more than255 students and was executed smoothly. Having seen the success of the programme, the Tripura government has now sent letter of request asking to expand this programme so as to cover more needy children in the state.
The letter also mentioned that considering the reaction to the exams, the response for new enrolment will be overwhelming, and to keep pace with the community aspirations, the State Government has requested the Foundation to expand its operations.
It is an endeavour to build a sustainable workforce with skills at par with industry standards while maintaining balance between the ability and need. With a lot more in the pipeline, this initiative will not only cater to the student populace inculcating mainstream skills along with life skills, it will also aid in boosting the North Eastern region of India.
Since 2000, the Akshaya Patra has worked towards reaching more children with wholesome food on every single school day. In partnership with the Government of India, various State Governments and inestimable support from many philanthropic donors and well-wishers; the Foundation has grown from humble beginnings serving just 1,500 school children across 5 schools. Today, Akshaya Patra Foundation is the world’s largest (not-for- profit run) Mid-Day Meal Programme serving wholesome food to over 1.66 million children from 13, 839 schools across 12 states in India.
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