Akshaya Patra and Sahyog, an NGO run by Daughter of President Kovind, Collaborate to Distribute Essential Grocery Kits in Delhi

21 August 2021, New Delhi: The Akshaya Patra Foundation, in association with Sahyog, an NGO run by Swati Kovind, the daughter of President, Ram Nath Kovind, distributed essential grocery kits among the construction labourers on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. The symbolic distribution event was organised at the President’s estate to launch the initiative and essential grocery kits were distributed among 100 labourers. Besides the kits, rakhis and sweets were also distributed at the event. Over the next few days, these kits will be distributed to the construction labourers, and other individuals from orphanages and other economically deprived sections identified by Sahyog.

Swati Kovind, daughter of the President Kovind, said that she was inspired to undertake this distribution of essential grocery kits after seeing the condition of numerous labourers at various construction sites in New Delhi. Her intention is to ensure that they have nutritious meals matched with the vision of Akshaya Patra.

Naveena Neerada Dasa, Director, Strategic Communication, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are glad to partner with Swati Kovind and Sahyog to distribute essential grocery kits among the construction workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people from all walks of life, especially the vulnerable groups, such as labourers and daily wagers, who are having a tough time arranging food for themselves and their families. In this situation, we must work together and direct our collective efforts towards their well-being. We are fortunate that we share this belief with Sahyog. They have themselves been doing a great job at helping the marginalised. Together, we will be able to reach out to more people.” He also appreciated the swift and diligent relief efforts of the Government and thanked them for their continued support and encouragement of the Foundation’s endeavours. 

Akshaya Patra has been partnering with NGOs across the country to ensure that food relief reaches vulnerable populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its collaboration with Sahyog is in continuation with its COVID-19 relief feeding efforts.

Akshaya Patra has been undertaking relief feeding in 20 states and one union territory through its network of kitchens. As a part of its overall relief feeding efforts, the Foundation has cumulatively served over 16.07 crore meals [as of 15 August, 2021] to people from vulnerable communities who are facing difficulty arranging food for themselves due to the COVID-19 pandemic and containment measures to curb the outbreak.

In Delhi, the Foundation has so far provided 1.32 crore meals, which include over 65 lakh cooked food, 1.35 lakh essential grocery kits (amounting to more than 56 meal servings), 22,122 Happiness Kits for MDM beneficiaries (amounting to over 4.4 lakh meal servings) and 3,444 Family Happiness Kits (amounting to over 4.13 lakh meal servings).