Stories of Staff

“No matter what happens, we have to deliver food to all schools on time. No matter what,” says Someshekara. Though it is no easy task serving freshly cooked food to more than 17,000* children everyday, he helps Akshaya Patra’s Mangalore kitchen meet its high standards through constant supervision and strict adherence to a timeline. His work gives him a great sense of satisfaction, he says.  “Many people in our Mangalore kitchen, especially the ladies, are here simply because we serve children. They’re not here out of necessity. We all work very hard. Everyone has to contribute and help everyone else out. That’s very important,” he says with pride.

Someshekara D, Supervisor, Mangalore kitchen

M. P. Ramesh, who has worked with the Akshaya Patra’s kitchen in Mysore for nearly 5 years, is responsible for ensuring that the texture and flavor of food prepared is at its best. He knows exactly how long the rice should be cooked, when the spices need to go in and how much water needs to be added to give it the right taste and consistency. From 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. when cooking in the kitchen takes place, Ramesh carefully oversees every item that goes into the cauldrons.

M.P.Ramesh, Kitchen employee, Mysore kitchen

“I have been employed by The Akshaya Patra Foundation for the last six years. I joined as a driver of the van which delivers food to schools everyday. What was a job in the initial phase has now become a passion as I see the children waiting for the van everyday. I am a man of humble means and even if I wish to, I cannot bring about much change in their lives. However, I strongly believe that in some way or the other, I am contributing to the future of these children.”

Prakash Rao, Driver

“I joined Akshaya Patra last year as a cook and was amazed to see the quantity of food that is cooked everyday. This is my first job and it has given me an opportunity to not only support the education of these children but also my two small sisters, who will not have to give up education like me. I am pleased to be a part of this splendid mission….lives are truly changed for good.”

Jatin Kumar, Cook

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