On 24 December 2024, The Akshaya Patra Foundation inaugurated its 76th kitchen in India in Cheemasandra Village, Avalahalli Panchayat, Bidarahalli, Bengaluru, supported by Canara Bank. The state-of-the-art kitchen in Avalahalli was inaugurated by chief guests, Smt Manjula Aravind Limbavali, MLA – Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru and Shri Aravind Limbavali, Former Minister – Government of Karnataka. Smt Latha Kumari IAS, CEO of Bengaluru Urban District Zilla Panchayat graced the occasion. On behalf of the Foundation, Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-Founder and Vice-Chairman and Shri Gunakara Rama Dasa, Regional President – Bengaluru Cluster of The Akshaya Patra Foundation were present. The event saw Mr Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank, representing the anchor patron donor.

The Avalahalli kitchen sprawls over 5,000 square feet and is strategically located to cater to over 7,500 students across 60 government and government-aided schools in the Bidarahalli and Cheemasandra areas. The menu is curated to make the meals nutritious and tasty as per the local palate, including vegetable vegetable pulav, bisibele bath and moong dal payasam.
Smt Manjula Aravind Limbavali, MLA – Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, said, “I am delighted to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen. The newly launched kitchen is a testament to their dedication to serving nutritious meals to children and communities. This initiative reflects the spirit of service and development, bringing hope and nourishment to many and strengthening the future of Karnataka.”

Shri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-Founder and Vice-Chairman – Akshaya Patra, said, “We are immensely grateful for the support of the Government of Karnataka and Canara Bank. Their unwavering commitment has been instrumental in the inauguration of our 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra, Bengaluru. This new facility is not just a kitchen; it is a promise to enhanced educational outcomes through nutritional support to over 7,500 students. The strategic location and advanced capabilities of this kitchen enable us to extend our reach and efficacy, reflecting our dedication to nurturing young minds and empowering them through education.” 

He also added, “Our heartfelt thanks to Canara Bank for their pivotal role as our anchor patron donor and to the Government of Karnataka and The Government of India for their continuous partnership. Together, we are forging a future where no child’s educational opportunities are limited by their nutritional status.”
Mr Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer – Canara Bank, said, “Our bank takes immense pride in supporting cultural and spiritual celebrations across the country, reflecting our commitment to community engagement. As we grow and prosper, we remain dedicated to contributing to the well-being of our nation, especially in Karnataka. It is a privilege to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, a remarkable initiative that serves and uplifts the community.”

Mr Shridhar Venkat, CEO – The Akshaya Patra Foundation said, “The transformative power of a daily meal cannot be overstated—it shapes futures, builds dreams and nurtures the young beneficiaries. The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s success is a testament to the strength of public-private partnerships, with unwavering support from the Government of India, state governments and generous donors. As we march towards the milestone of our 100th kitchen, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. Together, we are creating a legacy of nourishment, hope and empowerment.”

Through this kitchen, Akshaya Patra will provide hot, nutritious mid-day meals to children within a strict 4-hour cook-to-consumption timeline, emphasising its dedication to quality and efficiency. This effort not only aims to nourish young minds but also boosts local employment and procurement. The facility is semi-solar powered with plans to incorporate more electric vehicles into its delivery fleet, reflecting its commitment to sustainable