Inauguration of “Relieving Hunger” Vehicle and Kitchen Equipment’s at Annapoorna Trust Headquarters by District 317F Lions
The Relieving Hunger Vehicle Inauguration marked a momentous occasion on Friday, April 18, 2025, at Annapoorna Trust Headquarters, celebrating the launch of the Relieving Hunger Vehicle and kitchen equipment donation — a collaborative endeavour between Lions Clubs International and the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries from Lions Clubs International and the Sri Sathya Sai Global Humanitarian Mission, including Chief Guest PID Lion Mathangopal, PID Vamsidhar Babu, PID V. V. Krishna Reddy, DG C. M. Narayanaswamy, as well as members and trustees of the Annapoorna Trust.
The day began with addresses by dignitaries & gift of life sessions at Ataee Shaw Hall. Dr. Raghupathi A. R., Director of Medical Education at the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, welcomed the gathering. He emphasized the deep alignment between the humanitarian efforts of the Lions Clubs International and the Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission, particularly in community health and service outreach. He also acknowledged the Lions’ longstanding support, where they were the first entities to give equipment at the Ophthalmology department at the institute.
A compelling audiovisual presentation followed, showcasing the transformative impact of the Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission’s three pillars: nutrition, healthcare, and education. This directly aligns with the objectives of the nutrition program in India that Annapoorna Trust has championed.
In their addresses, PID Mathangopal and PID Vamsidhar Babu reflected on the Lions Clubs International‘s legacy of service, from eye camps in the 1950s to addressing modern-day challenges such as hunger and health. “This collaboration is both meaningful and impactful,” noted PID Vamsidhar Babu. “We are proud to continue our shared journey of service.”
Three distinguished Lions members were honoured during the ceremony for their exemplary contributions to society.
Relieving Hunger Vehicle Inauguration: Kitchen Tour & Equipment Handover
The highlight of the event was a guided walkthrough of the Annapoorna Central Kitchen. The guests were given an inside look at the modern, large-scale cooking facilities.
During the tour, the kitchen equipment donated by Lions Clubs International was officially handed over. The donation included a robust set of commercial kitchen appliances designed for high-volume, efficient meal preparation:
The equipment handed over included Stainless Steel Dosa Range, Atta Kneading Machine which can knead 25 Kgs of atta at once, Automatic Quick Steam Boiler, Cook On Units, Fully Stainless Steel Tilting Wet Grinder (20 L capacity), Vada Dropping Machine which can make about 720 vadas/hour, Boiler and Vessel Erection Accessories, Stainless Steel Single Jacket Steam Vessels (processes 25 kg raw rice), SS Vessel Stand, Manual Steam Boiler Operated Idly Box with a 600 kuzhi capacity, Extra Trolley, Aluminium Idly Plates, and Stainless Steel Work Tables. These will be used to cater meals for school students and hospital patients as part of the nutrition program in India.
In addition, a specially designed Relieving Hunger Vehicle was launched to help extend the reach of the Annapoorna nutrition program, delivering freshly prepared meals to communities in need.
Conclusion
The evening concluded with high tea at the Multipurpose Hall, offering a space for fellowship and reflections on the spirit of selfless service that marked the day.
This project exemplifies the power of collaboration between service organizations like Lions Clubs International and humanitarian institutions such as the Annapoorna Trust — channelling collective effort to alleviate hunger and foster well-being. With renewed commitment, both partners continue their journey to nourish bodies and uplift lives through every initiative like the Relieving Hunger Vehicle Inauguration.
