CHICAGO (Diya TV) — The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s 2025 Chicago Gala brought together more than 300 guests for an inspiring evening of philanthropy, culture, and community at the Chicago Marriott Oakbrook on Oct. 5. The event aimed to raise over $600,000 to support the foundation’s mission of eradicating child hunger and improving access to education in India.
Donors, youth ambassadors, community leaders, and public officials attended the gala, which combined heartfelt speeches with dynamic performances. The evening underscored the importance of ensuring that every child in India receives nutritious meals and the opportunity to pursue education without the burden of hunger.
Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago, opened the event with remarks about India’s ongoing efforts to fight food insecurity. He highlighted the government’s massive food assistance programs that serve 850 million people, calling it the largest initiative of its kind in the world.
“Still, there is food insecurity, and that is more structural rather than the availability of food,” Ghosh said. “In the hunger index, there are structural problems, and there is a lot to do, a lot of room to improve. By the way, that is so in the United States also.”
Ghosh also praised the Indian diaspora for staying connected to their roots and supporting causes that uplift communities back home. “Thank you for not forgetting the country of your birth,” he said. “And my thanks to those, the young ones, most of them were not born and brought up in India. They have no legacy, no baggage. Thank you for your service, for remembering the country of your parents and grandparents.”
The gala featured a keynote address by Rishad Tobaccowala, a noted author and strategist, who spoke about the power of purpose-driven philanthropy. He emphasized how collective action can create long-term social change, inspiring guests to contribute toward a future free from child hunger.
The evening also included vibrant cultural performances by Rex & Team and Bollywood actor-comedian Ojas Rawal, whose acts added energy and entertainment to the charitable event. Guests were reminded that philanthropy can be joyful and community-driven, bridging cultures and generations through shared compassion.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation partners with the Government of India’s PM POSHAN program—formerly known as the Midday Meal Scheme—to provide nutritious meals to schoolchildren and children in Anganwadi centers. The initiative ensures that millions of students receive daily meals, improving their health, school attendance, and learning outcomes.
Today, the foundation serves more than 2.3 million children across 25,768 schools and centers in 78 locations spanning 16 states and three union territories. Its mission remains rooted in the belief that “no child should be deprived of education because of hunger.”
Named after the mythical “Akshaya Patra,” meaning “inexhaustible vessel,” the foundation began in 2000 by serving meals to just 1,500 children in Bengaluru. Over the past 25 years, it has become one of the world’s largest NGO-run school feeding programs.
The foundation’s success lies in its strong public-private partnerships, innovative kitchen infrastructure, and transparent operations. With the help of donors, volunteers, and government support, Akshaya Patra continues to expand its reach and impact.
