Hunger is often imagined as an empty plate. In reality, it is a much larger issue that can affect health, education, productivity, dignity and the future of communities.
Hunger in India is a complex challenge shaped by poverty, food insecurity, unequal access to nutritious diets, unemployment, social inequalities and other economic and environmental factors. While India has made significant progress in food production and poverty reduction, ensuring that everyone has consistent access to sufficient and nutritious food remains an important national priority.
Understanding hunger requires us to look beyond the question of whether people have food. We must also ask: Do they have enough nutritious food? Can they access it consistently? And are children receiving the nutrition they need to grow and learn?
Understanding the Reality of Hunger in India
India has one of the world’s largest food systems, yet food availability alone does not automatically guarantee food security for every household.
The 2025 Global Hunger Index gives India a score of 25.8, placing it in the “serious” category on its hunger severity scale. The report also estimates India’s prevalence of undernourishment at 12.0%, while child wasting is estimated at 18.7% and child stunting at 32.9%. (Global Hunger Index)
These figures show why hunger needs to be understood as both a food-access and nutrition challenge.
At the same time, hunger statistics should not be viewed as a complete description of India’s food situation. Different indicators measure different aspects of food insecurity and malnutrition. Together, they help us understand where challenges are and where action is needed.
What Causes Hunger in India?
There is no single reason why people experience hunger.
1. Poverty and low household income
When families have limited income, food can compete with other essential expenses such as housing, healthcare, education and transportation. Nutritious foods can also be more difficult to afford regularly.
2. Food insecurity
Food insecurity occurs when people do not have reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food. A family may have food today but remain uncertain about whether it can afford adequate food tomorrow.
3. Unequal access to nutritious diets
Having access to calories is different from having access to a balanced diet. Children and adults need a variety of nutrients for healthy growth and development.
4. Unemployment and economic shocks
Loss of employment, unexpected expenses, crop failures, natural disasters and rising living costs can quickly affect a family’s ability to purchase food.
5. Lack of awareness about nutrition
Food quantity is only one part of the problem. Understanding balanced diets, micronutrients and age-appropriate nutrition is equally important, particularly for children.
Hunger Is Not Always Visible
One of the most important aspects of hunger in India is that it does not always look the way people expect.
A person can eat enough food to avoid obvious starvation but still have deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. This is often described as hidden hunger.
UNICEF India reports that nearly 70% of children under five are anaemic, while only 11% receive a minimum acceptable diet. These statistics highlight the importance of looking at the quality and diversity of food, not just the amount consumed. (UNICEF)
Hidden hunger can therefore exist alongside other forms of malnutrition, making nutrition a multidimensional issue.
The Impact of Hunger on Children
Children are particularly vulnerable to inadequate nutrition because their bodies and brains are developing rapidly.
Poor nutrition can affect physical growth and overall wellbeing. UNICEF notes that good nutrition is fundamental to child survival and development and supports children’s ability to grow, learn, play and participate in their communities. (UNICEF)
For school-going children, hunger can also become an educational concern.
Imagine sitting through a morning class while feeling hungry. Concentrating on a lesson, participating in activities and staying engaged can become more difficult. Ensuring access to nutrition is therefore closely connected with creating an environment in which children can make the most of their education.
Why Morning Nutrition Can Make a Difference
For many school-going children, the morning is an important opportunity to address nutrition.
A nutritious morning meal can provide children with nourishment before they begin their lessons. School-based nutrition programmes can also help reach children directly and create a consistent support system.
This is the approach taken by Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust through its Morning Nutrition Programme.
The Trust provides morning nutrition to school-going children through options that can include SaiSure nutrition health mix with milk, Ragi Wholesome Cereal Drink and freshly cooked breakfast, depending on the location and programme.
In August 2026, for example, Annapoorna Trust and Narayana Health began the fifth year of their partnership to provide freshly cooked breakfast five days a week to 1,185 students across eight government schools in Bengaluru.
Such initiatives demonstrate how addressing nutrition can happen through practical, community-based programmes.
How Can We Reduce Hunger in India?
Reducing hunger requires action at multiple levels.
Governments can strengthen food and nutrition programmes and improve access to essential services.
Communities can identify vulnerable households and encourage nutrition awareness.
Schools can become important points for delivering nutrition support and educating children about healthy food choices.
Businesses can contribute through responsible CSR programmes and long-term partnerships.
Individuals can support credible organisations, volunteer their skills and resources, and raise awareness about food insecurity and nutrition.
Most importantly, solutions need to be sustainable and locally relevant. Providing food during an emergency is important, but long-term food security requires addressing the underlying economic, nutritional and social factors that contribute to hunger.
What Can Individuals Do to Help?
You don’t have to solve the entire problem yourself.
You can start by learning about food insecurity in your community, reducing food waste, supporting credible food and nutrition initiatives, volunteering and contributing to programmes that work directly with people who need support.
When choosing an organisation to support, look for transparency, clearly defined programmes, credible impact information and responsible use of funds.
Small contributions, when combined with the efforts of many people, can help sustain programmes over time.
The Role of Annapoorna Trust
Hunger in India is a challenge that requires collective responsibility. It cannot be addressed by one organisation alone. However, targeted initiatives can make a meaningful contribution to the larger effort.
Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust focuses on one practical part of this challenge: ensuring that school-going children receive morning nutrition. The Trust reports that its programme currently reaches 10 million school children across 25 states and 4 Union Territories, working through government schools, volunteers and supporting partners.
Its work reflects a simple but powerful idea: a nourished morning can help a child begin the school day better prepared to learn.
Ultimately, tackling Hunger in India means looking beyond numbers and recognising the people behind them. A food-secure future requires sustained action from governments, organisations, communities, businesses and individuals. Through its morning nutrition programme, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust is contributing to this larger mission by working to ensure that children can begin their school day with nutrition, dignity and hope.
FAQs
1. What is Hunger in India?
Hunger in India refers to the lack of reliable access to sufficient and nutritious food. It can range from inadequate food intake to food insecurity and forms of malnutrition caused by poor-quality diets.
2. What are the main causes of hunger?
Major contributing factors can include poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, unequal access to nutritious foods, economic shocks, social inequalities and limited awareness of nutrition.
3. How does hunger affect children?
Inadequate nutrition during childhood can affect growth, health and overall development. For school-going children, hunger can also make it more difficult to remain comfortable and engaged during the school day.
4. What is hidden hunger?
Hidden hunger refers to deficiencies of essential vitamins and minerals that may occur even when someone consumes enough calories. It is therefore possible for a person to have food but still lack important nutrients.
5. How can we help reduce hunger?
Individuals can support credible food and nutrition programmes, volunteer, reduce food waste, raise awareness and encourage businesses to participate in sustainable CSR initiatives.
6. How does Annapoorna Trust help address hunger?
Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust operates a Morning Nutrition Programme that provides nutrition to school-going children through different food and nutrition options, depending on the location.
7th September 2026 | Vijayapura, Devanahalli Taluk, Bengaluru Rural District
A significant step towards strengthening child nutrition and supporting the educational journey of government school children was marked with the launch of the Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Programme in Bengaluru Rural District, in partnership with Volvo Group CSR Trust India.
The programme was inaugurated at the Government Kannada & English Medium Boys School, Vijayapura, Devanahalli Taluk, and will extend Morning Nutrition support across the four taluks of Devanahalli, Hosakote, Nelamangala and Doddaballapura. The programme agenda included the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, distribution of SaiSure Fortified Ragi Malt and serving of Ragi Malt to students.
The event was graced by Shri K. H. Muniyappa, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, Government of Karnataka and Bengaluru Rural District In-charge Minister, as the Chief Guest. Dr. K. N. Anuradha, IAS, DC, Bengaluru Rural District; Dr. Vasanthi Amar, IAS, CEO, Bengaluru Rural District; Shri K. C. Ramesh, DDPI; Ms. Lalithamma M, BEO, Devanahalli Taluk; Shri G. V. Rao, Director CSR – Volvo Group India & Managing Trustee – Volvo Group Trust; and Shri Sai Prasad Ivaturi, CFO & Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, were among the dignitaries present.
Minister Appreciates the Nutrition Initiative
Addressing the gathering, Shri K. H. Muniyappa appreciated the dedicated services rendered by Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust and Volvo Group towards the welfare of needy schoolchildren. He appreciated Volvo Group’s support in extending Morning Nutrition to government schools across the four taluks of Bengaluru Rural District.
He also appreciated the One World One Family Mission for its commitment to providing services free of cost in the areas of Nutrition, Education and Healthcare, for the benefit of those in need.
Nutrition for Better Growth and Learning
The dignitaries highlighted the important role of nutrition in a child’s physical growth, cognitive development, concentration and learning.
Under the programme, SaiSure Millet (Ragi) Multi Nutrient Health Mix is provided along with Government-sponsored milk. This nutritional supplementation has been supporting government school children in Karnataka and is designed to help address nutritional gaps during the crucial years of growth. The SaiSure model of providing a nutrition supplement along with government-sponsored milk is an established component of Annapoorna’s Morning Nutrition Programme.
Dr. K. N. Anuradha, IAS, DC, Bengaluru Rural District, emphasised the importance of children regularly consuming the nutrition provided to them. She encouraged the students to focus on their studies and aspire to pursue higher education and careers as engineers, doctors, IAS, IPS and KAS officers.
Volvo Group Expands its Support
Shri G. V. Rao, Director CSR – Volvo Group India, spoke about Volvo Group’s association with Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust over the past three years.
The partnership initially began with Hosakote taluk and has now been expanded to cover all four taluks of Bengaluru Rural District. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that children do not begin their school day on an empty stomach, as hunger can affect their concentration, attention and participation in classroom activities.
He explained that the fortified ragi-based nutrition provides essential nutrients, including proteins, vitamins and micronutrients, helping children begin their school day with better nourishment.
Shri Sai Prasad Ivaturi, CFO & Trustee, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, expressed gratitude to Volvo Group for its continued support.
He spoke about the journey of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, which began in 2012 by serving around 50 children and has grown into a large-scale school nutrition initiative working in collaboration with governments.
Reiterating the Trust’s core mission, he said:
“Let No Child Go to School Hungry Ever.”
Strengthening the SaiSure Journey in Karnataka
Shri Sushanth Karanth, National Manager – Corporate Communications, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, spoke about the nutritional value of SaiSure Fortified Ragi Health Mix and its role in supporting the health and development of children.
The SaiSure programme has been implemented across Karnataka in collaboration with the Government, reaching government and government-aided school children through the State’s Ksheera Bhagya programme. In 2024, the statewide initiative was launched to reach over 55 lakh children, providing SaiSure Millet Multi Nutrient Health Mix along with Government-sponsored milk.
In 2025, during the Budget Session, then Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah announced the increase in SaiSure supplementation from three days to five days a week. This reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards the health and development of children, while also reflecting the confidence placed in Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust in implementing this large-scale nutrition initiative across the State.
A Collective Commitment to Children
The programme concluded with the ceremonial distribution of SaiSure Ragi Multi Nutrient Health Mix to students in the presence of the dignitaries. Chikkis and Multi-Grain Cookies were also distributed to the children.
The launch reflects a strong collaboration between Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, Volvo Group CSR Trust India, the Government of Karnataka, district administration, education department, schools and teachers, united by a common purpose—to ensure that children receive the nutrition they need to learn, grow and realise their potential.
One World One Family
Let No Child Go to School Hungry Ever
As part of its continued efforts to improve nutrition among children, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust undertook a field visit to Anganwadi Centres and Primary Schools across Naktideul Block in Sambalpur District, Odisha, during August 2026.
The visit was an opportunity for the team to engage directly with children, teachers, Anganwadi workers and caregivers, understand their experiences, and gather valuable feedback on the Morning Nutrition Programme.
The visiting team comprised Sai Bhashkara, Manager – CSR & Operations; Ramesh, Manager – Government Alliances & CSR Operations; and Pratap Pradhan, Executive – Operations.
Positive Response at Anganwadi Centres
At the Anganwadi Centres, the team interacted with children and caregivers and observed the children enjoying the SaiSure Malt Multi Nutrient Health Mix provided through the nutrition programme.
The team received encouraging feedback from teachers and caregivers regarding the acceptance of the fortified health mix among children.
During the interaction, Ms. Rebati Behera, CDPO, ICDS Department, Naktideul Block, shared valuable observations on the nutritional progress of children.
According to her, several children have shown improvement, with some progressing from the Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) category to Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM), and subsequently towards normal nutritional status, with the support of SaiSure Malt Multi Nutrient Health Mix along with other nutrition initiatives implemented by the Government of Odisha.
Recognising the importance of continued nutrition support, she expressed her interest in seeing the programme extended to more Anganwadi Centres across Sambalpur District.
Children Enjoying SaiSure Millet Health Mix in Primary Schools
The team also visited Primary Schools where children are receiving the SaiSure Millet (Ragi) Multi Nutrient Health Mix as part of the Morning Nutrition Programme.
The response from the children was highly encouraging. The children have readily accepted the nutritious drink and were seen enjoying it during the school visits.
Teachers at the Primary Schools expressed their appreciation for the fortified health mix and conveyed their gratitude for the Morning Nutrition Programme. Their feedback highlighted the value of providing children with nutritious support at the beginning of the school day.
Nutrition Awareness Alongside Food Support
The field visit was not limited to distribution of the health mix. The team also interacted with teachers and caregivers to explain the importance of fortified nutrition and its role in the healthy growth and development of children.
Such awareness is an important part of the Trust’s broader approach to addressing childhood malnutrition — combining regular nutrition support with awareness and community engagement.
Encouraging Support from the Block Administration
The team also met Mr. Akash Sahoo, BDO, Naktideul, and discussed the implementation and progress of the Morning Nutrition Programme in the block.
He expressed his appreciation for the initiative and encouraged the team to explore opportunities to increase the number of schools and children covered under the programme. He also expressed interest in extending the benefits of the programme to High School students in the coming days.
The encouragement from the Block Administration, along with the positive feedback received from teachers, caregivers and children, provides valuable momentum for strengthening the programme further.
A Step Towards a Healthier Future
The Naktideul visit reaffirmed the importance of collaborative efforts between government departments, schools, communities and organisations committed to child welfare.
The positive acceptance of both SaiSure Malt Multi Nutrient Health Mix at Anganwadi Centres and SaiSure Millet (Ragi) Multi Nutrient Health Mix at Primary Schools demonstrates how simple, consistent nutrition support can contribute to the well-being of growing children.
For Annapoorna Trust, every cup of nutritious health mix represents more than food. It represents an opportunity to support a child’s health, growth, learning and future.
The experiences from Naktideul have strengthened the Trust’s resolve to reach more children and expand the programme wherever the need exists.
Nourishing Children. Nurturing the Nation.
Through the Morning Nutrition Programme, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust continues its journey of serving children with love, care and selfless service — working towards a future where every child can begin the school day nourished, healthy and ready to learn.
The Morning Nutrition Programme, in partnership with Voya Global Services Pvt. Ltd., was formally launched on 19th August 2026 at the Government Model Kannada & English Primary School, Kothnur, Bengaluru, reaffirming a shared commitment towards the health, wellbeing and educational journey of children.
Building on this partnership, Voya Global Services Pvt. Ltd. has supported the Morning Nutrition Programme during the 2025–26 academic year and continues its support into 2026–27, extending nutrition support to: 6,683 school children across 75 government schools in Bengaluru Urban and Shivamogga districts, with nutrition support planned throughout the academic year.
A Partnership with Purpose
The launch brought together the leadership and employees of Voya Global Services, representatives of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, and the school leadership, teachers and staff.
Voya Global Services was represented by:
- Ms. Sharada Nandakumar – President & CEO, Voya Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
- Mr. Nitin Ashok Dharamshi – Head – Finance, Voya Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
- Mr. Sairam Yadalla – Chairperson, CSR Core Team, Voya Global Services Pvt. Ltd.
They were accompanied by several employees from Voya who joined the launch and interacted with the children.
Representing Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust were Sushanth Karanth, National Manager – Corporate Communications; Venkateshwara Rao Bandaru, Manager – CSR; Chetana T J, Manager – CSR Data Management; and B S Sai Bhashkara, Manager – CSR & Operations (Karnataka), along with the operations team.
The school was represented by Headmaster Mr. Nagaraj, along with the teachers and staff.
Encouraging Children to Dream Big
The programme commenced with the traditional lamp lighting, followed by addresses from Ms. Sharada Nandakumar and Sushanth Karanth.
Addressing the children, Ms. Sharada Nandakumar encouraged them to dream big, study hard, stay healthy and make time to play and enjoy their childhood. She reminded them that they have their whole lives ahead of them and the opportunity to shape their own future.
Sushanth Karanth spoke about the importance of morning nutrition in helping children begin their school day with energy and focus. He highlighted that SaiSure is not merely a nutritional serving, but an investment in the health, education and future of every child. He also emphasised the importance of partnerships, where corporates, government, schools and the Trust come together with one common purpose — ensuring that the child becomes the ultimate beneficiary.
He further shared that behind every number is a child — a child with dreams, aspirations and the potential to contribute meaningfully to their family, community and nation. Supporting the Morning Nutrition Programme, therefore, means supporting the potential of children.
Nourishing Children Through SaiSure
As part of the launch, SaiSure Ragi Multi Nutrient Health Mix was distributed to the school children. The children were also served chikkis, while stationery kits were distributed to add to the joy of the occasion.
The importance of nutrition was brought to life when one of the students addressed the gathering and spoke about the nutritional benefits of ragi, including calcium, iron and other micro and macronutrients. The student shared how having SaiSure in the morning helps children feel energetic and strong through the day and expressed gratitude to Voya and Annapoorna Trust for the initiative.
Voya’s Commitment to Children
The continuation of the partnership into the 2026–27 academic year reflects Voya’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing and development of children through meaningful CSR engagement.
Through its support, Voya is helping ensure that children receive nutritional support during their school day, enabling them to approach their education with greater energy and enthusiasm.
As shared during the launch, Voya’s contribution goes beyond supporting a nutrition programme — it is an investment in the potential of children.
Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust extends its heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Sharada Nandakumar, President & CEO, and Mr. Nitin Ashok Dharamshi, Head – Finance, for taking the time to be present at the launch despite their busy schedules. The Trust also expresses its appreciation to Mr. Sairam Yadalla, the CSR team and the entire Voya employee team for their continued support and commitment.
Together, Voya Global Services and Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust continue to work towards a shared vision:
“Let No Child Go to School Hungry, Ever.”
Chikkaballapura, Karnataka | August 2026
Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, in collaboration with Persistent Foundation, is strengthening its efforts to address childhood malnutrition in Chikkaballapura district through the SaiSure Choco Malt nutrition programme for children identified under the Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) and Moderate Acute Malnutrition (MAM) categories.
The initiative is being implemented across the district through a series of launches in different taluks, with the active participation of the Department of Women & Child Development, Health Department officials, Anganwadi workers, parents and other stakeholders.
Under the project, approximately 1,500 MAM children are being supported with SaiSure Choco Malt over a six-month period from August 2026 to January 2027. Each child will receive four 500-gram pouches in two phases, with the recommended daily consumption being 10 grams.
District-Level Launch at Chikkaballapura
The district-level launch was held on 7 August 2026 at Sthree Shakthi Bhavana, Chikkaballapura, in the presence of Mr. Mohammad Usman, Child Development Project Officer, Department of Women & Child Development, Chikkaballapura Taluk & District.
The event also brought together CDPOs from all taluks of Chikkaballapura district, reflecting a coordinated approach towards addressing childhood malnutrition and ensuring effective implementation of the programme across the district.
Reaching Children Across Taluks
The initiative has been launched across multiple taluks in Chikkaballapura district.
At Chintamani, the launch was held on 4 August at the Taluk Panchayat Office. Ms. Lathamani, Assistant CDPO, highlighted the vital role of Anganwadi centres in promoting child health and nutrition. She called for coordinated efforts among Anganwadi workers, supervisors and caregivers to ensure that SaiSure is consumed regularly and that children’s progress is monitored.
At Gowribidanur, the programme was launched on 6 August at Ambedkar Bhavana, Gangasandra Village. Mr. Ravikumar N, CDPO, spoke about the positive impact of SaiSure Choco Malt on children’s nutritional status and noted that regular consumption had contributed to a reduction in MAM cases. He also emphasised that parents should ensure the supplement is prepared correctly and consumed regularly.
At the same launch, Mrs. Bhoolakshmi from the Health Department stressed the importance of cleanliness and personal hygiene while preparing and feeding food to young children. She encouraged parents to provide balanced nutrition and cultivate healthy habits from an early age.
The Shidlaghatta launch took place on 11 August at Shree Shakthi Bhavana. Ms. Vidhya Vastradha, CDPO, appreciated the SaiSure nutrition programme, noting that it has been served to children for the past five years. She highlighted the considerable reduction in MAM and SAM cases and appreciated the quality and hygiene standards maintained in the preparation of SaiSure Choco Malt.
At Gudibande, the launch was held on 12 August at Samudaya Bhavana, Beechaganahalli. Mr. Jagdeesh N. M., CDPO, emphasised the need for special care of MAM children and called for coordinated efforts among parents, Anganwadi workers, health staff and other stakeholders to reduce childhood malnutrition
Nutrition, Care and Community Participation
Across the launches, officials highlighted that nutrition interventions are most effective when complemented by awareness, hygiene, healthy food habits and regular monitoring.
Parents were encouraged to provide children with balanced and nutritious diets, avoid junk and highly processed foods, and ensure that SaiSure Choco Malt is prepared and consumed according to the recommended method. At Gowribidanur, Mr. Krishna Reddy of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust demonstrated the correct preparation method and emphasised that no additional sugar should be added to SaiSure Choco Malt.
The programme also places emphasis on ensuring that the nutritional supplement reaches the intended beneficiaries and is utilised consistently. At Chintamani, the importance of maintaining accurate records and monitoring eligible SAM and MAM children was highlighted.
A Collaborative Commitment to Child Nutrition
The SSSAT–Persistent Foundation partnership represents a shared commitment to improving the health and nutritional well-being of vulnerable children. By working alongside government departments, Anganwadi centres, health personnel and families, the initiative seeks to create a sustained ecosystem of care around children who need nutritional support the most.
The programme reflects the larger vision of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust & Persistent Foundation to ensure that children receive the nutrition they need to grow, learn and thrive. As highlighted during the Shidlaghatta launch, the initiative contributes to the broader vision of serving society through Health, Education and Nutrition.
Together, Persistent Foundation and Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust continue to work towards a healthier future for children across Chikkaballapura district—one child, one family and one community at a time.
Bengaluru witnessed an inspiring evening of music, meaningful dialogue and a powerful vision for humanity at An Evening Divine, where Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai and Grammy Award-winning musician and environmentalist Ricky Kej came together for a special fireside conversation on the vision of the One World One Family Mission at Palace Grounds, Bengaluru.
The evening was emceed by Sai Prasad Ivaturi, Trustee & CFO, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, who guided the audience through the evening’s conversations and proceedings.
The evening brought together leaders, public representatives, social contributors, students and well-wishers to reflect on a simple yet profound idea rooted in India’s ancient wisdom — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: the world is one family.
Beyond Borders: One World, One Family
Opening the conversation, Ricky Kej reflected on the breadth of Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai’s work across education, healthcare and nutrition, describing an ecosystem centred on caring for human beings throughout their lives.
Responding to what One World, One Family means to Him, Sadguru explained that the idea is deeply rooted in India’s civilisational ethos. It is not about limiting family to those connected by blood, nationality or geography, but recognising every human being — and indeed all of creation — as part of one larger family.
He emphasised that India has historically welcomed and assimilated different cultures, traditions, religions and philosophies. In a world increasingly divided by an “us versus them” mindset, the message of oneness is more relevant than ever.
From Sympathy to Compassion
The conversation explored the deeper meaning of compassion.
Ricky Kej articulated three stages of responding to human suffering — sympathy, empathy and compassion. While sympathy is feeling for someone and empathy is experiencing their suffering as our own, compassion takes the crucial next step: doing something to address the problem.
Sadguru described this as “actionable compassion” — compassion in action, which has become a defining principle of the Mission. He explained that compassion must not remain only in the heart; it must translate into action.
For this culture of service to become institutional, he said, it must begin with leadership and permeate every level of an organisation. He shared three guiding principles inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba: be selfless, be fearless, and be “shameless” when it comes to compassion — without worrying about what others may think.
Stories That Bring the Vision to Life
The evening became especially moving through the stories of young students whose lives reflect the true meaning of a world without borders.
Shreesha Rokaya, a student from Nepal at Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam, shared her dream of becoming a doctor and returning to her village to serve her community. Having experienced the loss of her mother at a young age due to lack of access to medical care, her aspiration is deeply personal.
Sadguru shared how Shreesha represents hundreds of young students who have found opportunities through the Mission, regardless of where they come from. He described her journey from Nepal to India as an example of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in action — where nationality does not become a barrier to education and opportunity.
He also recalled an encounter in Enugu, Nigeria, where two young students, Precious and Christopher, approached His car at night after hearing about the free medical education available in India. They eventually travelled to India, completed the additional academic preparation required, cleared NEET and joined the medical programme. Their journeys exemplify how education can create bridges between nations and enable young people to return and serve their own communities.
Education, Healthcare and Nutrition as Human Rights
The conversation highlighted a fundamental belief underlying the Mission: nutrition, education and healthcare are fundamental human rights and society has a responsibility to make them accessible to those who need them.
Speaking about the Morning Nutrition Programme, Sadguru traced its beginnings to a simple question: if an adult finds it difficult to study or work while hungry, how can a child be expected to learn on an empty stomach?
What began with just 50 children near Bengaluru has grown into a large-scale programme reaching millions of schoolchildren. The initiative combines nutrition with education, while also creating a positive impact on attendance, health and learning.
The wider humanitarian work has similarly evolved through identifying needs and responding to them — from paediatric healthcare and medical education to initiatives in Nigeria, Fiji, Sri Lanka and the USA. The approach is simple: wherever there is a genuine need and an opportunity to serve, the Mission seeks to respond.
A Symphony of Unity
One of the evening’s most memorable reflections came through music.
Speaking about the Sai Symphony Orchestra, Ricky Kej drew a beautiful parallel between a symphony orchestra and India.
An orchestra brings together different instruments — each with its own character, sound and identity. A violin does not have to become a tuba, nor a harp a timpani. Each remains uniquely itself, yet all come together to create harmony.
Similarly, India’s strength lies not in uniformity but in its ability to bring together diverse languages, cultures, religions and traditions as one harmonious whole.
Ricky Kej described the Sai Symphony Orchestra as a unique homegrown ensemble and expressed his hope of collaborating with the young musicians in the future.
The evening concluded with a stirring orchestral performance by the students of Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam, turning the message of unity into music.
A Journey of One Step at a Time
During the audience interaction, Sadguru was asked whether He could see the end of the journey undertaken through the Mission.
His response reflected the spirit with which the work continues: one step at a time — doing what is needed today and taking the next step tomorrow.
The aspiration, however, remains clear: a world where no child is hungry, no child is out of school and no person is denied access to healthcare.
The gathering was also graced by K. H. Muniyappa – Minister of Social Welfare of Karnataka, T. B. Jayachandra – Pro-term speaker of Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy – Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Council, Dr. C. N. Ashwath Narayan – MLA, Malleshwara, Former DyCM, Govt of Karnataka, B. L. Shankar – Member, All India Congress Committee, B. A. Srinivasa Gupta — Managing Director and Chief Promoter, Bhagyalakshmi Group and B. N. Narasimha Murthy – Chief Mentor of Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam, along with leaders, well-wishers and members of the community.
An Evening Divine was more than an evening of conversation and music. It was an invitation to move from feeling to action, from compassion to service, and from seeing the world as divided into “us” and “them” to recognising the timeless truth:
One World – One Family – One shared responsibility.
The fifth edition of “An Evening Divine” was held in Belagavi on 11 August 2026, bringing together an inspiring dialogue on nutrition, anaemia prevention, maternal and child wellbeing, and the power of collective action.
A key focus of the evening was the need to address nutritional deficiencies among adolescent girls and women. In a conversation with educationist and founder of Naikar Education Society, Dr C N Naikar, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai shared the vision of making Belagavi an anaemia-free district through early and sustained nutritional intervention.
Sadguru emphasised that nutrition must begin at the right stage of life. He explained that when multi-nutrient supplementation is introduced only at later stages, the body’s ability to absorb and utilise nutrients may be limited—a phenomenon he referred to as “reductive adaptability.” Hence, the proposed initiative would begin with girls from around 13–14 years of age, with a focus on women and adolescent girls.
At the heart of this initiative is SaiSure Ragi Multi Nutrient Health Mix, the flagship nutritional intervention of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust. SaiSure is designed to bridge nutritional gaps during crucial stages of growth, helping address both inner hunger—the body’s need for nourishment—and outer hunger—the lack of adequate food and nutrition.
Speaking about the proposed initiative, Sadguru shared that each serving of SaiSure would cost approximately ₹2 per day, with the One World One Family Mission contributing ₹1 and inviting the community and institutions to contribute the remaining ₹1. With collective participation, the vision is to ensure that no girl suffers from nutritional deficiency.
Sadguru also shared an encouraging experience from Bagepalli, where, according to information conveyed by government officials, there had been no neonatal deaths or failed pregnancies at the hospital over the preceding year, in the context of SaiSure Ragi Multi Nutrient Health Mix being provided to girls and pregnant women. He expressed the possibility of taking this success further—to work together towards zero maternal and infant mortality in Belagavi.
“No child should be born with deformities because of nutritional deficiency. The birth of every child should be a happy moment, not a sad moment.”
The proposed Belagavi initiative would be undertaken in collaboration with Karnatak Lingayat Education Society (KLE). KLE Honorary Chairman Dr Prabhakar Kore immediately offered KLE’s ₹1 contribution towards the proposed ₹2-per-day nutrition support—an inspiring demonstration of how shared responsibility can transform a vision into action.
Through its Morning Nutrition Programme, Annapoorna Trust has been working to ensure that children begin their school day nourished and ready to learn. With SaiSure reaching children across communities, the Trust’s work goes beyond providing a meal—it seeks to strengthen nutrition during the formative years and create a healthier foundation for life.
Sadguru concluded with a timeless message inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba:
“If you think of something good, do it immediately. If bad thoughts come, postpone them. There is no need to search for an auspicious time to do good—every moment is auspicious for doing good.”
The evening also celebrated the transformative power of education and culture, with performances by students of Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Gurukulam institutions, – the Sai Symphony Orchestra—India’s largest symphony orchestra, comprising over 200 students from rural India.
From nutrition to anaemia prevention, from maternal wellbeing to child health, the message from Belagavi was one of hope and collective responsibility:
Together, we can nourish our girls, protect our mothers, safeguard our children and build a healthier, anaemia-free Belagavi.
A nutritious breakfast can be the first step towards a healthier, more attentive and productive school day. Reaffirming this shared commitment, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust and Narayana Health have commenced the fifth year of their partnership to provide morning nutrition to children in Government schools across Bengaluru.
As part of the latest phase, 8 Government schools with 1,185 students will receive freshly cooked breakfast five days a week, helping children begin their school day with nourishment and energy.
The inaugural function was held on 11 August 2026 at Karnataka Public School (KPS), Sarakki, Bengaluru. The school, which is completing its 98th year, is preparing to celebrate its centenary two years from now. The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by representatives of Narayana Health, Annapoorna Trust and the School Development Monitoring Committee (SDMC), marking the beginning of another year of this meaningful collaboration.
The school was represented by Headmistress Yashodamma, teachers and staff, along with Muni Bairappa, President, School Development Monitoring Committee (SDMC).
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Responsibility
Representing Narayana Health at the programme were Ankit Shrimali, DGM & CSR Head; Jayavardhan, Marketing Head – Banashankari; Sant Kumar, Marketing Head – HSR; Mutharaju – Deputy Manager NHL CSR ; Anuj Kumar, DGM – Corporate Finance; Jyothish Kumar, DGM – ESG; Rajesh Kumar, Manager – Corporate Finance; and Vinay P, IT Technical Lead.
Annapoorna Trust was represented by Ashish Bhardwaj, Trustee & CDO; Sushanth Karanth, National Manager – Corporate Communications; Chetana T J, Manager – CSR Data Management; R Rajiv, Manager – Operations, Karnataka; and B S Sai Bhashkara, Manager – CSR & Operations, Karnataka & operation team members.
Addressing the gathering, Ashish Bhardwaj, Trustee & CDO, Annapoorna Trust, expressed his gratitude to Narayana Health for continuing the partnership into its fifth year. He highlighted that the collaboration represents more than a CSR initiative—it is a collective effort towards building a healthier and better-equipped generation.
He spoke about the importance of ensuring that children receive breakfast at the beginning of their school day, particularly those who may arrive at school without adequate nourishment. He also highlighted Annapoorna Trust’s practice of conducting impact assessments and collecting beneficiary testimonials every year.
According to the observations shared through these assessments, the Morning Nutrition Programme has a positive influence across several dimensions, including attendance, classroom concentration, academic engagement and children’s overall health.
He emphasised the interconnected nature of nutrition, education and health, stating that the collective efforts of organisations such as Narayana Health and Annapoorna Trust can contribute to building citizens who are healthy, productive and academically strong.
Encouraging the children, he said that the programme was ultimately for their benefit and urged them to make the most of the opportunity, study well and aspire to become future professionals, including doctors.
Making Breakfast Part of Every Child’s School Day
Ankit Shrimali, DGM & CSR Head, Narayana Health, welcomed the students, teachers and guests and spoke about the importance of beginning each day with a nutritious breakfast.
He explained that just as nature follows a regular rhythm every day, children too need the right nourishment to begin their day well. The partnership with Annapoorna Trust is aimed at ensuring that children receive a healthy breakfast in the morning and have the energy required to learn and participate actively in school.
He also reminded the students about the importance of not wasting food and encouraged them to make good use of the nourishment provided to them.
Supporting Children Through Nutrition
Muni Bairappa, President of the SDMC, appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of breakfast for school-going children. He noted that some children arrive at school without having eaten in the morning and said that the nutritious breakfast being provided through the partnership would help them learn with greater interest and avoid dependence on unhealthy food choices.
He emphasised that today’s children are tomorrow’s citizens and encouraged the students to use every opportunity available to them to excel in life.
He also appreciated the efforts of HM Yashodamma and the teaching staff in nurturing the students and noted the school’s strong academic performance. He shared that the school has achieved a 99% pass percentage and that meritorious students would also be encouraged with prizes during the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.
Reflecting on the changing educational landscape, he observed that Government schools today have access to many facilities and opportunities that were not available during earlier generations.
From Breakfast to Bigger Dreams
Muthuraj, Regional CSR Head, Narayana Health – Karnataka, began by interacting with the students and asking whether they had already eaten breakfast. The response highlighted the relevance of the initiative, as many students had not had breakfast before coming to school.
He spoke about Dr. Devi Shetty, Founder of Narayana Health, and the organisation’s commitment to making quality healthcare accessible. He also shared that a new Narayana Health facility is expected to come up in Banashankari shortly.
Explaining the rationale behind the breakfast initiative, he said that many children across the country come to school on an empty stomach. Narayana Health currently supports breakfast for around 6,000 students across India, reflecting its commitment to the health and well-being of children.
He also shared that Narayana Health provides scholarships to deserving students aspiring to pursue careers as medical professionals, helping support their educational journey and making their aspirations more attainable. He encouraged the children to make the most of the opportunities available to them, have breakfast regularly, study well and work towards achieving their dreams.
Nourishing the Future
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by the serving of freshly cooked breakfast to the children by the esteemed guests.
The fifth year of the Narayana Health–Annapoorna Trust partnership is another step towards ensuring that children can begin their school day with dignity, nourishment and renewed energy.
The initiative reflects a larger shared vision: nutrition strengthens education, education opens possibilities, and together they contribute to a healthier society.
With the continued support of partners such as Narayana Health, Annapoorna Trust looks forward to reaching many more children and ensuring that no child has to begin the school day hungry.
“When Government, Corporates, and Social Organisations come together with a shared purpose, they can transform countless young lives.”
The journey towards ensuring that no child begins the school day hungry reached another significant milestone on 5th August 2026, as Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, in partnership with Amazon and with the support of the Government of Telangana, expanded its Morning Nutrition Programme to benefit 9,071 government school children across 159 schools in the Kandukur, Yacharam, and Shabad mandals of Rangareddy District.
The launch programme was held at ZPHS Hayathabad, bringing together government officials, Amazon representatives, school authorities, teachers, parents, and students in a celebration of collaboration, compassion, and commitment towards child nutrition.
The event was graced by Sri A. Madhusudhan Reddy, Chairman, Zilla Grandhalaya Samstha, Rangareddy District, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished dignitaries included Sri Venkateshwaralu, District Education Officer; Mandal Education Officers Sri Lakshman, Sri Narsimha Hanumanthu, and Sri Panduranga Reddy; Smt. Vasantha, Headmistress of ZPHS Hayathabad; Sri Chandra Shekhar, Vice Chairman, Agriculture Committee, Gudimalkapur; Sri Surender Reddy, Chairman, Sardar Nagar AMC; Smt. Shantamma, Sarpanch; and Smt. Razia Sultana, AAPC representative.
Representing Amazon India were Craig Lewis, Regional Health and Safety Manager; Murray Travers, Construction Safety Lead – Australia Region; Prasad Mahajan, Critical Project Implementation India Cluster Manager; and Tata Utukuri, Community Engagement Manager. Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust was represented by Ashish Bhardwaj, Trustee; Srikanth Vooturi, Regional Manager – Operations, Telangana; Sushanth Karanth, National Manager – Corporate Communications; and Dhananjay Rao, Manager – CSR, Government Alliances & Operations (Telangana).
Nourishing Children, Nurturing the Future
The Morning Nutrition Programme addresses one of the most fundamental barriers to learning—hunger. Every school day, children receive SaiSure Ragi Multi Nutrient Health Mix with jaggery, along with nutritious multigrain cookies and millet peanut chikkis, ensuring that they begin their school day with essential nutrition.
Since its inception in Rangareddy district in 2022, the partnership between Amazon India and Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust has steadily grown from a CSR initiative into a long-term commitment towards improving children’s health, attendance, classroom concentration, and overall well-being. Beyond financial support, Amazon employees have consistently volunteered at schools, interacted with students, and strengthened their engagement with local communities, demonstrating that meaningful social impact extends far beyond funding.
A Partnership Built on Shared Values
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, Srikanth Vooturi reflected on the transformative journey of the partnership. He emphasised that every child deserves the opportunity to begin the school day with proper nutrition, as a nourished child learns better, grows healthier, and dreams bigger.
He acknowledged Amazon India’s commitment over the past four years, noting that the company’s involvement has extended well beyond CSR support through regular employee volunteering and direct engagement with schools. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Telangana for creating an enabling ecosystem that has allowed the Morning Nutrition Programme to scale and positively impact lakhs of children across the State.
“These Children Are Our Future”
One of the most inspiring moments of the programme came when Craig Lewis, Regional Health and Safety Manager, Amazon, addressed the gathering.
Inviting everyone to focus their attention on the children seated before them, he reminded the audience that these young students represent the future of society and that investing in their health is an investment in the nation’s future.
Sharing experiences from his travels around the world, Craig spoke about Amazon’s commitment to making a meaningful difference in the communities where it operates. He reiterated that while workplace safety remains central to his professional responsibilities, initiatives such as the Morning Nutrition Programme demonstrate the equally important responsibility of ensuring healthier futures for children.
Marking the fifth year of Amazon’s partnership with Annapoorna Trust, he reaffirmed Amazon’s commitment to supporting needy school children and concluded with a powerful message that resonated across the gathering:
“No child should begin a school day hungry.”
Government’s Continued Support
Chief Guest Sri A. Madhusudhan Reddy appreciated the collaborative efforts of Amazon India, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, and the Government of Telangana in strengthening government schools through nutrition.
He observed that many children, particularly those from farming families, leave home early in the morning without having breakfast. Providing nutritious supplementation before classes begin ensures that these children are better prepared to learn and build brighter futures.
He also appreciated the Government’s continued focus on education and child welfare and encouraged sustained CSR partnerships that contribute to holistic rural development.
The Headmistress of ZPHS Hayathabad, Smt. Vasantha, welcomed all the dignitaries, teachers, students, parents, and guests, expressing gratitude to every stakeholder who had come together to make the programme possible.
Voices That Matter Most
The most heartfelt moments came from the students themselves.
Speaking on behalf of all the students, Meghana, a Class X student of ZPHS Hayathabad, expressed sincere gratitude to Amazon India and Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust for providing nutritious fortified ragi with jaggery, cookies, and chikkis.
She shared that many children arrive at school without having breakfast and that the nutritious morning supplementation gives them energy, keeps them healthy until lunchtime, and helps them concentrate better during classes. She concluded by assuring the guests that the students would study well and make everyone proud.
Another student also thanked the organisers, government officials, Amazon India, and Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust for bringing the Morning Nutrition Programme to their school and expressed appreciation for the care shown towards the education and well-being of government school children.
A Vision Becoming Reality
As the programme concluded, one message stood above all else—that quality education begins with proper nutrition.
What began as a shared vision has today evolved into a model of meaningful public-private partnership. With the combined efforts of the Government of Telangana, Amazon and Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, thousands of children now begin each school day with renewed energy, improved health, and greater confidence to learn.
Every nutritious serving distributed each morning is more than a meal—it is an investment in healthier children, stronger classrooms, and a brighter future for the nation.
As Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust continues to expand its reach across the country, partnerships such as these reaffirm the enduring belief that when compassion is combined with collaboration, sustainable transformation becomes possible.
“Let No Child Go to School Hungry, Ever!”
The Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya Rural AI Skilling & Experience (RAISE) Centre was inaugurated at Sathya Sai Grama, marking a significant milestone in empowering rural youth through Artificial Intelligence, digital technologies and innovation.
The programme was graced by Dr. Shalini Rajneesh, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Karnataka, along with Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, Shri G. Srinivasan, Co-Founder & Director of Rural Shores Business Services, senior government officials, industry leaders and academic representatives.
In her keynote address, Dr. Shalini Rajneesh described the initiative as a transformative step towards preparing rural youth for the future while ensuring that opportunities remain rooted in their own communities.
Congratulating Rural Shores and the One World One Family Mission, she observed that AI-driven employment and skill development can help reduce migration from villages by creating high-quality livelihood opportunities closer to home.
She urged that the RAISE model should expand beyond Sathya Sai Grama to villages across Chikkaballapur district and assured continued support from the district administration.
A particularly moving part of her address reflected upon her decade-long association with the Mission.
She recounted how, during her tenure in the Education and Health Departments, collaborative efforts led to the expansion of the SaiSure Nutrition Programme from schools to Anganwadis, addressing malnutrition among children and laying the foundation for improved cognitive development.
Dr. Shalini remarked that good nutrition is the starting point for every child’s learning journey.
She observed that children who receive proper nutrition develop stronger cognitive abilities, enabling them to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence with confidence.
Looking towards Karnataka’s future, she highlighted the Government’s plans to leverage AI for governance, public service delivery and employment, including the creation of digital platforms that will connect skilled youth with future industry requirements.
She also envisioned Chikkaballapur emerging as a centre for wellness, tourism, education, healthcare and technology-driven livelihoods.
The newly inaugurated RAISE Centre has been established through a collaboration between Rural Shores Business Services, One World One Family Mission and Shri Sathya Sai University for Human Excellence.
Addressing the gathering, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai expressed deep appreciation for Dr. Shalini Rajneesh’s consistent support over the past ten years. He acknowledged her role in shaping several landmark humanitarian initiatives, particularly the expansion of nutrition interventions for school and Anganwadi children, and thanked her for helping translate compassionate ideas into impactful public programmes.
The inauguration reaffirmed a shared commitment between Government, Industry and Civil Society to ensure that rural India actively participates in the nation’s AI-led growth story.
With the launch of the RAISE Centre, Sathya Sai Grama continues to strengthen its vision of integrating nutrition, education, healthcare, technology and livelihoods to build empowered rural communities and contribute meaningfully towards a Viksit Bharat.