Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha lays foundation stone for Akshaya Patra mid day meal kitchen in Katra
Katra , May 21, 2026 — Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone for a centralized kitchen facility by the Akshaya Patra Foundation in Katra, which is set to provide 5,000 nutritious meals daily to school children upon completion.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted upcoming projects by the non-profit organization in the Union Territory, including a future kitchen facility planned for Jammu. He called for enhanced collaboration between government bodies and social organizations to empower the youth, emphasizing that access to healthy food is a fundamental right and that society must ensure no child is left behind.
Reflecting on the legacy passed down to future generations, the Lieutenant Governor noted that standard life questions regarding what society creates, preserves, and hands over must include a critical fourth inquiry on what children are being fed, stating that the nutrition of the younger generation directly shapes the future.
He observed that a hungry child cannot learn effectively and that education rests firmly on a foundation of good health. According to global research, balanced meals directly contribute to better classroom concentration, effective information retention, and active participation. He noted that providing school meals goes beyond filling stomachs to actively shaping future intellect.
The Lieutenant Governor further described the next generation as the living expression of national aspirations, making their health, education, and confidence a shared societal responsibility. He commended the selfless service of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, which stands as one of the largest non-governmental organizations in the school meal sector by serving over 20 lakh children across 16 states and 3 Union Territories.
Following his address, the Lieutenant Governor personally served meals to the attending students.The event was attended by a large gathering of students, senior officials, and prominent dignitaries, including Bharatarshabha Dasa, National President and Trustee of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, alongside members of the Legislative Assembly Baldev Raj Sharma and Kuldeep Raj Dubey.
Other key administrative and security attendees included Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary of the School Education Department; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Kashmir; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range; Kumar Abhishek, Deputy Commissioner Reasi; and Uday C. Rege from Savita Oil Technologies.