Launch of Morning Nutrition Program in Goa on 26 September 2022
Annapoorna Trust started the pilot program of Morning Nutrition after a formal MoU signed with the Goa State Government. This program would benefit 1076 children studying across 65 schools.
SaiSure health mix would be provided along with milk to the children. It is a multi-nutrient supplement, a malt-based composition for children designed to meet 50% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of most of the micronutrients. Manufactured in FSSAI licensed, FDA approved, WHO-GMP certified manufacturing facility with highest quality standards, it is easy to prepare, quite cost-effective and can be distributed with milk which is provided by some states at Government schools. SaiSure Morning Nutrition in children has demonstrated positive improvements in health parameters, improved academic performance, increased enrolment of students, boost in their immunity and many more.
Annapoorna Morning Nutrition program works on the Sarkar-Samaj-Sanstha model; where the organisation works hand in hand with government and civil society at large; and it has been a runaway success serving 1 million children every day. The launch event was held on 26th September 2022 in Government Higher Secondary School, Canacona in Goa. This event was attended by several government officials, school staff and Annapoorna Trust volunteers –
Mr. Ramesh B Tawadkar – Hon’ble Speaker and MLA Canacona assembly
Mr. Manoj Sawaikar – Deputy Director, Education department Goa
Mr. Anjali Malik- Vocational education officer
Mr. Gautami Vishal – Principal of Government Higher secondary school Canacona
Mr. Mahendra Hegde – Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Ananyaniketanam – Udupi
Mr. Girish – Chairman of Sri Sathya Sai Satthwaniketanam, Karwar
Mr. Madhusudan Nayak – Principal Sri Sathya Sai Ananyaniketanam – Udupi
Mr. Ashok Gaonkar – Principal of Sri Sathya Sai Satthwaniketanam, Karwar
Mr. Santosh Allath – National Manager, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust
Mr. Ravishankar Prabhu – Social worker and volunteer, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust
In the event, Mr. Ramesh Tawadkar, Speaker of Goa’s Legislative Assembly, spoke about food, clothes and shelter, being the primary needs of mankind. He expressed his gratitude for Annapoorna Trust for selecting Goa to provide morning nutrition for children of Grade 1 to Grade 4. He also appreciated the Trust for treating all children equally and assured complete support from the Government for these initiatives.
Next, Mr. Manoj Sawaikar, Deputy Director of Education – Goa, addressed the people gathered about how the Trust could not commence this program a year back due to the pandemic induced delay, but now with all the relevant permissions signed, the children of Canacona would receive SaiSure, containing vitamins and other nutrients. He appreciated the Trust for the initiatives undertaken and expressed his gratitude.
Mr. Ashok Gaonkar, a former teacher of Goa and presently Principal of Sri Sathya Sai Satthwaniketanam – Karwar, spoke about how when he was a teacher, he felt sad to see students from remote areas coming to school without morning breakfast. Most of them belonged to the community of Scheduled tribes. He pointed out that this initiative would prove to be very useful and assured he would do the needful for these students. He also said this is a pilot project but would continue in full fledge in the coming days.
Mr. Santosh Allath, National Manager of Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, spoke about how the program started, the expansion of the morning nutrition program reaching 1 million children, the benefits and impact of SaiSure on children and most importantly, role of Sarkar-Samaj-Sanstha model in taking this initiative forward.
Realizing the dream of Annapoorna Morning Nutrition Programme to build a nation, where no child goes to school hungry EVER, is very much possible and the mission will continue with everlasting zest.
