The pandemic completely disrupted ongoing child welfare activities, pushing the country into severe malnutrition crisis. To aid the mid-meal beneficiaries during the pandemic, Newgen Software, a global provider of low code digital automation platform, teamed up with The Akshaya Patra Foundation to provide mid-day meals and happiness kits. The company sponsored 17378 children in Vrindavan, Lucknow and Jhalawar by completing the distribution in 2 rounds/phases: 8689 kits in each round. Newgen has also been supporting Akshaya Patra under their CSR Initiative (Health and Education) for Mid-Day Meal Programs in Vrindavan, Jhalawar and Guwahati. Till now a total donation of Rs.99,28,428 has been made towards the mid-day meal program (Rs.3,70,528) and happiness kit distribution (Rs.95,57,900) in FY 19-20.
Speaking about the initiative, Priyadarshini Nigam, Head Corporate Communications and CSR at Newgen Software said, “We partnered with The Akshaya Patra Foundation in 2019 to provide nutritious and fulfilling mid-day meals to approximately 9,000 underprivileged students in the remote areas of the country. This collaboration supports our vision of ensuring the holistic development of children and further augments our digital education programs.”
“At Newgen, we believe that good health and adequate nutrition are important factors in the growth and well-being of children in their formative years. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to distribute ‘Happiness Kits’ comprising of monthly rations of non-perishable food items for our students and their families with the help of Akshaya Patra Foundation at all project locations. Our combined efforts have been instrumental in supporting our students through the difficult time and giving them hope for a better tomorrow”, she further stated.
Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation said, “Our partnership with Newgen Software has grown manifolds as our common beliefs are aligned. I am grateful for their contribution which is driven by empathy and passion to help the society. Support from corporate donors helps us in keeping our vision alive.”
He further added, “According to the estimation of the Food and Agriculture Organization, around 194.4 million people are undernourished in India. Such alarming data is a serious warning of a larger impending health pandemic ahead of us. It’s a wakeup call for all of us to jointly plan, contribute and mobilise every resource available to address malnutrition as a whole and school going children in particular.”
Newgen is committed to driving social, economic, and environmental good. The company runs a number of CSR programs for the betterment of underprivileged children:
Newgen Digital Discovery Paathshala
Transforming classroom learning into fun, engaging sessions by leveraging the power of digital. Contributing to the nationwide initiatives— “Digital India” and “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”.
Personality Development Program
Developing soft skills and instilling a sense of confidence in students by providing career counselling and guidance in collaboration with I-AM.
Midday Meal Program
Working with the Akshaya Patra Foundation to upgrade the quality of meals in government schools across India, and to ensure that all students are fed nutritious and hygienic food, and thereby aiding continuity in education.
Remedial Education Program
Collaboration with KHUSHII, a non-profit organization, to implement innovative and remedial teaching strategies and ensure that all students perform at an age-appropriate learning level.
Sadhbhavna
For the holistic development and education of children through Sadbhavna—the Newgen-incepted, philanthropic educational program, established in 2006.
Newgen Software recently renewed their partnership with TAPF by signing a new MOU for mid-day meal program and happiness kit distribution in Jhalawar for the next two financial years.