Event Report: Foundation Stone Laid for Akshaya Patra Foundation’s First Centralised Kitchen in Bihar

Date: 16 June 2025
Location: Patna District, Bihar
Occasion: Foundation Stone Laying and Bhoomi Pujan Ceremony

Organised by: The Akshaya Patra Foundation in collaboration with the Department of Education, Government of Bihar
The foundation stone laying and bhoomi pujan ceremony for Bihar’s first centralised community kitchen of The Akshaya Patra Foundation was held on Monday, 16 June 2025, in Patna district. The event marked a significant milestone in the state’s commitment to enhancing student welfare and nutrition through the PM POSHAN scheme.

The ceremony was led by Shri Sunil Kumar, Hon’ble Minister of Education, Bihar, in the esteemed presence of several government officials, community leaders, and representatives from The Akshaya Patra Foundation.

In his address, Shri Sunil Kumar shared the story behind the project’s inception, recalling his inspiration from the Foundation’s operational model in southern India. Following detailed discussions, the collaboration was initiated to replicate the model in Bihar. This facility, once completed, will provide nutritious, hygienic mid-day meals to thousands of schoolchildren across Patna district.

The modern kitchen complex is set to be fully operational within a year and will be constructed with the support of both government funding and philanthropic contributions from The Akshaya Patra Foundation. It aims to improve student attendance, health, and academic engagement, while also easing the logistical burden on schools and teachers.

Speaking at the event, Shri Bharatarshabha Dasa, National President and Trustee of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, emphasised the transformative power of nutritious meals in a child’s educational journey. He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to serving quality meals and supporting the state’s vision for inclusive education.

This centralised kitchen is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility, setting a benchmark in large-scale meal preparation. It marks the beginning of Akshaya Patra’s operations in Bihar and is expected to pave the way for future expansions into other districts.

The event concluded with a traditional bhoomi pujan ceremony, symbolising auspicious beginnings and collective commitment toward child welfare and educational upliftment in Bihar.