Meet Dignitaries (Apr – Jun 2025)
A Joyful Step Toward Healthier Childhoods in Uttar Pradesh
A warm and promising development unfolded on 15th May 2025, when Smt. Baby Rani Maurya, Hon’ble Minister of Women’s Welfare, Child Development and Nutrition of Uttar Pradesh, extended her warm support to the Morning Nutrition Program during a meeting with officials from Annapoorna Trust. Along with her was Ms. Leena Johri, Principal Secretary, who joined the detailed discussion on the rollout of the initiative.
To begin with, the Minister has expressed keen interest in launching the program in one district of Uttar Pradesh, with the goal of providing Fortified SaiSure Ragi Malt Mix to 20,000 Anganwadi children. This specially formulated nutritional supplement supports healthy growth, boosts immunity, and enhances cognitive development—benefits that are particularly vital for children in this crucial stage of early development.
Smt. Maurya has consistently supported initiatives towards social welfare and child health. During her earlier visit to Sathya Sai Grama, the headquarters of Annapoorna Trust, she learned about the Morning Nutrition initiative and played a supportive role in helping it take root in Uttarakhand. Her continued interest is now paving the way for the program to begin reaching children in Uttar Pradesh as well.
UP Government and Annapoorna Trust explore partnership opportunities in scaling the Morning Nutrition Programme
In a significant move toward improving child nutrition and education, Mr. Ashish Bhardwaj, Trustee, CDO of the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust, recently met with Shri Sandeep Singh Ji, Hon’ble Minister of State for Basic Education, Government of Uttar Pradesh, in Lucknow.
The focus of the discussion was on scaling the Morning Nutrition Programme, an initiative by the Annapoorna Trust, which is present in 25 States and 4 UTs in India, to benefit government school students throughout Uttar Pradesh. This initiative aligns closely with the state's education goal.
The meeting was graced by other distinguished individuals who share a common vision for child welfare:
• Mr. Prashant Bhatia, Chairman of RSS Industrial Association and Senior RSS Pracharak
• Dr. Jagadish Goyal, Advisor at Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences & Research
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to creating a future where no child attends school on an empty stomach and the promise of transforming the educational landscape for countless children in Uttar Pradesh.
