National Science Day - Akshaya Patra’s Support for Science

National Science Day –
Akshaya Patra’s Support
For Science
THE AKSHAYA PATRA FOUNDATION

National Science Day is one of the main science festivals in India, celebrated annually on 28 February to
commemorate the Nobel Prize-winning discovery, the ‘Raman Effect’ by the Indian physicist Sir C.V.
Raman on 28 February 1928. The main objective of celebrating National Science Day is to spread the
message about the importance of science in our daily lives. It gives a platform to exhibit the achievements
in the field of science for human welfare, to discuss various issues and implement new technologies, to
provide an opportunity to scientific- minded citizens, and to popularise science and technology among
people. Each year a particular theme is chosen to celebrate the day, and, the theme for 2018 is "Science
and Technology for a sustainable future." This theme gets reflected in the several technological
interventions executed in the kitchens of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, a mid-day meal charitable trust
in India to increase operational efficiency of the meal programme and benefit more and more children.
In a world that is driven by technology, it is important that we acknowledge science as a pathway to
progress and prosperity rather than as a mere academic subject. Scientific and technological
developments are directly linked to the economic growth and global recognition of a country. And, since
the next bunch of innovation is going to come from the present generation thriving in schools and colleges,
it becomes critical to support the branch of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics)
education. And, this requires the involvement of the entire society alongside the efforts of government
and NGOs. One can actively participate in educating the future of India either by providing their subject
matter expertise or being a mentor for children with scientific temperament or by choosing to donate for
education in India.
Remarkably India has achieved universal enrolment at the elementary level (Class I-VIII) and stands at par
with developed nations in the enrolment category rate in primary education (Class I-V). However, it is
reported that there is a gradual fall in the enrolment rate from Class VI onwards, in addition to high dropout
rate especially in the secondary level (Class IX-X). Since secondary level cements the interest of
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students for higher education; the mentioned drop-out rate is an alarming indicator asking for an
immediate intervention. Already new methods of teaching and learning such as audio-visual lessons,
digital smart boards, and interactive learning apps are being employed to make classrooms more engaging
and student-centric, yet there is a long way to go to bring down the drop-out rate. This is where charitable
trust in India like Akshaya Patra comes into play. Along with implementing its core service of providing
mid-day meals to government school children, Akshaya Patra is also giving wings to the dreams of
children.
Watch Shivu’s dream to become Astronomer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehRFQCMP5LM
As part of their ‘Give Every Dream A Chance’ initiative, the NGO gave 14-year old Shivu, an aspiring
astronaut, an exclusive mentorship programme under Ms. Preethi Krishnamurthy, Senior Research Fellow
in Astrophysics. Under her guidance, Shivu received an in-depth insight into the marvels of the celestial
world. Along with one-on-one sessions, Shivu also got the chance to visit some of the best space and
research facilities in Bengaluru. Day by day, Shivu’s interest and knowledge expanded. And, by the end of
the mentorship programme, like a seasoned space enthusiast, Shivu confidently presented his working
model of a hand-held telescope and a presentation on the constellations of our galaxy, in front of an
audience that included special guests and his parents too. This mentorship programme concretised
Shivu’s dream because hereon he knew that his dream is achievable. This is a story of just one beneficiary,
and there are millions of such zealous children fighting odds to give shape to their dreams. All they need
is a little support from all of us. And, by choosing to donate online towards this NGO, you will help children
to continue education by countering classroom hunger.
A strong STEM education along with scope for basic-science research is critical for the future and deserves
a whole-hearted commitment and investment. And, just so that meritorious students from economically
disadvantaged backgrounds get the much-needed support to attain their goal while also taking the
country in the path of scientific and technological glory, your contribution is of immense significance.
Akshaya Patra provides an easy and safe mode for you to donate online. So, come forward and make a
contribution on this National Science Day for all the ambitious and meritorious scientists in the making!
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The Akshaya Patra Foundation © 2018