NOVI, Mich. (Diya TV) — Supporters of The Akshaya Patra Foundation USA gathered May 9 at the Novi Civic Center for “Music for Meals,” a charity fundraiser that combined cultural performances with a mission to fight classroom hunger in India.
The event, hosted by the Michigan chapter of the nonprofit organization, drew strong participation from families, community leaders, and donors. Organizers said the program aimed to raise awareness and support for school meal initiatives that help children stay healthy and continue their education.
The evening featured live performances by Sargam Desi Rhythm and several local artists. Guests enjoyed music and cultural presentations while learning about the foundation’s large-scale school meal programs across India. Organizers said the fundraiser highlighted the growing support for child nutrition and education programs among the Indian American community in Michigan. Volunteers also played a major role in planning the event and encouraging community participation.
The “Music for Meals” event blended entertainment with philanthropy. Attendees watched musical acts and cultural performances throughout the evening. Organizers said the performances helped create a strong sense of community while also drawing attention to the issue of child hunger.
Community members spoke about the importance of providing nutritious meals to children from underserved backgrounds. Many attendees said access to food can directly affect a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school.
Supporters at the event also praised the foundation’s efforts to improve educational access through meal programs. Organizers said the event encouraged more people to become involved in charitable initiatives that support children’s welfare. The fundraiser focused on helping expand school meal programs in India. The foundation works to provide freshly cooked meals to children attending government and government-aided schools.
Volunteers from the Michigan chapter organized the event over several weeks. They coordinated fundraising activities, managed outreach efforts, and connected with local supporters ahead of the program.
Organizers credited volunteers for helping increase awareness about mid-day meal programs and their impact on children’s education. They said volunteer support remains essential to the chapter’s community outreach efforts. Michigan chapter chair Sampath Prahlad addressed attendees during the event. He spoke about the chapter’s ongoing work and its efforts to expand support for the foundation’s mission.
Prahlad also discussed plans for the Michigan chapter. He shared details about upcoming community initiatives, including a summer golf fundraiser that will support additional charitable activities. He encouraged attendees to continue supporting programs that address hunger and improve educational opportunities for children. Organizers said the chapter plans to expand participation in future events across the region.
Founded in 2000, The Akshaya Patra Foundation operates one of the world’s largest NGO-run school meal programs. The organization serves as an implementing partner for India’s PM POSHAN school meal initiative. The foundation says it has served more than 4 billion meals to children across India through its feeding programs. Its mission focuses on reducing classroom hunger and supporting education by ensuring children receive nutritious meals during the school day.
School meal initiatives have become an important part of efforts to improve attendance and learning outcomes among children from low-income communities. Supporters of the foundation say these programs help students remain focused in class and encourage families to keep children in school.
Organizers at the Novi event said community-driven fundraising efforts continue to play a key role in supporting these initiatives. They added that cultural events such as “Music for Meals” help bring people together while advancing a humanitarian cause. The Michigan chapter said it hopes to build on the success of this year’s event by increasing awareness, volunteer involvement, and fundraising support in the future.
