The event began with an invocation prayer was sung by an all-children’s choir. President Pranab, besides unveiling the two billion meal commemorative art installation also distributed symbolic commemorative treats to school children.

Addressing the occasion, Mukherjee stated that the occasion gives everyone an opportunity to appreciate the significance and strength of a fresh and nutritious mid-day meal. He also lauded Akshaya Patra for ably supporting the Government of India, Government of Karnataka and all the other State Governments, in the successful implementation of the Mid-Day Meal Programme. In conclusion, he reiterated the need for greater community participation towards the cause of ‘unlimited food for education.’

Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah acknowledged Akshaya Patra’s school feeding programme as a great social undertaking that has provided school-going children both educational and health benefits.

Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of Human Resource Development expressed that the occasion symbolises the story of Akshaya Patra’s attempt to boost and promote education with delicious, healthy meals. Impressed by the progress made towards the successful implementation of the Government’s Mid-Day Meal Programme, he pledged his full support to Akshaya Patra for its future endeavours.

Sudha Murty, Chairperson - Infosys Foundation and Shankar Mahadevan, Bollywood singer and music composer, congratulated The Foundation on attaining the milestone of cumulatively serving two billion meals.

The attendees also included Akshaya Patra’s Independent Trustees, Mohandas Pai and Abhay Jain.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his best wishes to The Akshaya Patra Foundation, for completing sixteen years of serving mid-day meals to school children. He also congratulated The Foundation for serving two billion meals and remarked that these milestones and efforts inspire many to serve our children.

The milestone of cumulatively serving two billion meals is a reiteration of Akshaya Patra being the first NGO-run school meal programme in the world to have ever achieved this feat.