Kshudha Shanti

Since 2017, the institute has actively contributed to addressing global hunger, aligning its efforts with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. This goal emphasizes ending hunger, improving nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture by 2030. The institute understands that hunger extends beyond food scarcity to include access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food for all. Its commitment to sustainable and equitable access to food is central to creating a healthier society.

Inspired by the Hindu goddess Annapurna, the institute’s initiative is grounded in values of nourishment and care. Annapurna, whose name translates to “provider of abundant food,” symbolizes sustenance and generosity. Her mythological act of feeding Lord Ganesha embodies the purity and selflessness that the institute seeks to emulate. The initiative, Annapurna Kshudha Shanti, reflects these values, aiming to combat hunger while providing nutritious food that promotes long-term health. The program goes beyond filling stomachs; it emphasizes dignity, respect, and the humanity of its recipients, mirroring the benevolence of the goddess Annapurna.

Annapurna Kshudha Shanti serves approximately 500 people daily, providing balanced and nourishing meals. Recognizing that poor nutrition perpetuates poverty, the institute ensures the food is carefully prepared to meet the nutritional needs of its recipients. Each meal includes essential carbohydrates, proteins, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals, promoting health and vitality. Typical meals feature staples such as rice, lentils, vegetables, and seasonal fruits, ensuring recipients receive a well-rounded diet.

The program targets economically disadvantaged groups, including the poor, hospital patients’ attendants, visitors to the Rohini District Court, and the institute’s own students and staff. Many of these individuals struggle to access basic necessities, including food. By extending its services to these marginalized groups, the institute provides vital relief, while also fostering a sense of community and solidarity through the shared experience of a meal.

In addition to addressing hunger, the initiative instills social responsibility among students and faculty. By involving them in food preparation and distribution, the program encourages active participation in the global fight against hunger. Volunteering within the initiative serves as an educational experience, fostering empathy and compassion, while exposing participants to the realities of food insecurity and poverty. This hands-on involvement also reinforces important life skills like teamwork and leadership.

Annapurna Kshudha Shanti further promotes inclusivity by bringing people from diverse backgrounds together, fostering connections that transcend social and economic divides. The program’s emphasis on locally sourced ingredients supports sustainability, aligning with environmental stewardship principles. This approach not only reduces the program’s environmental impact but also contributes to the broader goals of sustainable development.

The institute’s initiative is more than a charitable effort—it represents a sustainable and holistic approach to addressing hunger. By focusing on education, nutrition, and sustainability, Annapurna Kshudha Shanti serves as a model of how institutions can align their values with the Sustainable Development Goals, creating meaningful, long-term change in both their communities and beyond. As the world strives toward achieving Zero Hunger by 2030, initiatives like this will be increasingly vital.