At GHPS Mallappangudi in Hampi, Hosapet, Karnataka, a young student named S. Shayan Kumar stands out with his resilience and determination. A 7th grader, Shayan discovered his aspiration after an incident that turned the lives of everyone in his family upside down. Shayan recounts the incident with a mix of solemnity and resolve. "One night, while we were sleeping on the terrace to escape the heat, someone broke into our house. They stole ₹50,000 that my father had taken as a loan," Shayan explains. The theft left a profound impact on the family, especially his father, who had worked tirelessly to secure that amount. "My father was very upset," Shayan continues. "The money was crucial for our needs and losing it was a huge setback. We reported the theft to the police, but the culprits have not been caught yet."

This incident ignited a new dream in Shayan’s heart - becoming a police officer. "My father always wanted to be a policeman but couldn't achieve it due to various reasons. Now, after this robbery, I am even more determined to fulfil his dream," Shayan says with determination. "I want to ensure that such incidents don't happen to others. I want to bring justice and help people feel safe."

Speaking about his family, Shayan says, “My mother, Parvati and father, Surya Lokesh, are farmers. We have a half-acre plot of land where my parents do the farming. My younger brother is in the 2nd grade, and my sister is in the 5th grade. When my parents are away at the farm, my grandmother handles the household chores and takes care of us.”

Shayan is a beneficiary of Akshaya Patra’s School Feeding Programme. He receives hot, nutritious and tasty mid-day meals every school day from Akshaya Patra. These meals help Shayan stay physically and mentally fit. Talking about the food, Shayan says, "I like the food served in our school, especially rice and sambar. Those are my favourites.”  

With the School Feeding Programme, Akshaya Patra endeavours to curb classroom hunger. The programme is an effort to implement PM POSHAN Abhiyaan in government schools. These efforts align with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2 and 4) — eradicating hunger and providing quality education. Every school day, Akshaya Patra serves balanced and nutritious meals to 2.25 million children like Shayan. These meals help shape the future of young minds and ensure that they have the strength to pursue their aspirations.