Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings has partnered with Akshaya Patra’s food programme for the second year in a row in its endeavor to give back to the society and provide better education by serving meals to children in the community surrounding Axalta’s Savli manufacturing plant in Gujarat. This is a part of Axalta’s global CSR initiative to support children’s education in the community in which it operates.
Akshaya Patra is the world’s largest (not-for-profit run) mid-day meal programme serving wholesome food to over 1.6 million children from 13,210 schools across 11 states in India. The funding is part of a national programme that helps Akshaya Patra feed millions of children in India who have the zeal to learn and the potential to contribute to India’s sustainable social and economic development.
Mr. Vinay Rajadhyaksha, Managing Director of Axalta’s operations in India, said, “Community development and associating ourselves with social causes which ensure sustainable development has been a part of Axalta’s core values. Axalta, in whichever region it operates, is happy to support the local community in every possible way. After receiving an encouraging response last year, Axalta is proud to associate itself with Akshaya Patra once again and support the NGO’s vision, i.e. no child should be deprived of education due to hunger. Reaching out to children in Gujarat with nutritious meals through Akshaya Patra, helps us give back to the society in the best possible manner.”
Mr. Sundeep Talwar, Chief Marketing Officer, The Akshaya Patra said, “We are committed to providing nutritious mid-day meals to deserving children so that they can attend school and build a better life. Support of partners such as Axalta Coating Systems helps us to empower more children by providing them a wholesome meal and enabling access to education. We call upon more corporates to follow suit and join the movement to eliminate classroom hunger and aid education of children.”
Akshaya Patra has demonstrated the merits of its initiatives by increasing school attendance, decreasing the drop-out rate, fueling enrollment in schools and creating socialization among children, all consequences of improving their nutrition. Axalta’s support to Akshaya Patra in Gujarat is an ideal synergy between the two organizations which are focused on having a positive impact on the development of communities where they operate.