Help us build India's
largest kitchen in
Mumbai.
Build a 10-year legacy — your contribution today helps scale from 18,000 to 1,20,000 meals every day
Sponsor State-of-the-Art Equipment
A behind-the-scenes look into our upcoming large-scale social kitchen, being built to serve 1,20,000 meals every day
with efficiency, hygiene, and care. Watch the video below to explore the journey
The Kitchen
Industrial-scale infrastructure built for decades of daily service.
The People
Cooks, volunteers, hospital benefeciaries and the children whose lives this work touches.
The Meals
From dough to plate — 1,20,000 servings every single day.
This Kitchen Will Deliver To
Scaling nutrition across Mumbai's most vulnerable communities
1,150+
Municipal Schools
50+
Cancer Care Homes & Public Hospitals
100+
Shelter Homes
Inauguration Countdown
Target Date :
December 2026Build a 10-Year Legacy
This is not just a donation. This is infrastructure that keeps feeding for a decade.
₹25
1 meal today
Feeds someone right now10 yrs
of daily meals
From kitchen infrastructure1,20,000
people fed daily
Scalable kitchen capacityTraditional Donation
1️⃣ ₹25 donated
2️⃣ → 1 meal served
3️⃣ → Impact ends today
Our Model
1️⃣ ₹25 donated
2️⃣ → Kitchen equipment funded
3️⃣ → Daily meals for 10 years
4️⃣ → A lasting food legacy
CSR Equipment Sponsorship
Sponsor State-of-the-Art Equipment
Donor Privileges
Exclusive Benefits to Honour Your Contribution
Top 100 Donors
Be recognized among the top 100 contributors — your name on the kitchen wall of fame
VIP Inauguration
Exclusive invite to the grand inauguration ceremony in December 2026
Kitchen Tour
Witness your impact firsthand with a guided tour of the facility
438 Cr Lifetime Meals
Stories of Hope
One Meal. One Student. One Dream Kept Alive
My name is Makrand Gavankar. I'm in Class 10 at N. M. Joshi Marathi Municipal
School,
Mumbai.
After my father, a farmer, passed away, my mother became our only support. we moved
from
Ratnagiri to Mumbai, where she now works at Nair Hospital - often with irregular
pay.
Most mornings, my sister and I survive on just tea and biscuits. Our first proper
meal
of the day comes at school.
That meal comes from Akshaya Chaitanya.
Without it, I would sit in class hungry. With it, I can focus, learn, and dream.
I was a topper till Class 8, and now I'm aiming to score above 90% in Class 10.
I love mathematics, chess, cricket, and learning about planets.
One day, I want to become a scientist.
Life is tough. But this one nourishing meal gives me the strength to keep going.
Hunger can stop dreams. One meal keeps mine alive.
A mother's meal full of strength!
Sushila Devi travelled from a small village in Uttar Pradesh to Mumbai for her
daughter's long-term treatment at Chhatrapati Shivaji Hospital, Kalwa. With no
relatives in the city and no money for accommodation, she has been living within the
hospital premises, caring for her daughter and young grandson on her own.
Back home, Sushila survives by collecting plastic from the roadside, earning barely
30-40 a day.
Every rupee she saves goes toward medicines and tests. With her grandson too young
to be left behind, she brings him along through long hospital waits and uncertain
days.
In this struggle, the nutritious meal provided by Akshaya Chaitanya has become her
one constant support.
It gives her strength, ensures her grandson eats safe, clean food, and helps her
save money for treatment.
As Sushila softly says,
"Yahan ka poshtik aur saaf khana mere grandson ke liye bahut zaroori hai."
For her, this meal is not just food -
it is dignity, relief, and comfort when everything else feels heavy.
From Fields to Hospital Corridors - A Mother's Fight for Dignity
For years, Sumanbai Gaikwad and her son Kishore survived on the meagre earnings of
their small farm in Khadgaon, Buldhana. But a tragic electric shock left Kishore
unable to walk, forcing them to Mumbai's Nair Hospital.
With debts piling and over E2 lakhs already spent on treatment, Sumanbai runs
tirelessly from ward to ward seeking help, while her daughter-in-law cares for two
children back in the village.
Amidst this struggle, she says with tears in her eyes:
"If it were not for Akshaya Chaitanya, I would have had to beg for food. At least
now I receive meals with dignity, and can stay by my son's side."
Her story is the reality of countless farming families —
torn between survival in the
city and responsibilities back home. Through nourishment, Akshaya Chaitanya helps
them hold on to dignity and hope.
Riya's Determination Meets Our Nourishment
Riya Maurya, a 15-year-old Class 10 student at Naigaon Manpa Madhyamik School, comes
from a family that struggles daily to make ends meet.
Her father works in the garment sector, while her mother manages their small rented
home.
Despite their hard work, ensuring regular meals
for Riya has always been a challenge.
Until Class 8, the government's Mid-Day Meal scheme gave her some relief. But once
she moved to Class 9, those meals stopped, leaving her parents worried about how to
provide the nutrition she needed to continue her education.
That's where Akshaya Chaitanya stepped in. Through our daily meal program, Riya now
receives wholesome, hot, and nutritious food every day. This simple act has lifted a
huge burden off her parents and given Riya the energy and focus to stay committed to
her studies.
Her teachers describe her as hardworking and honest, always eager to learn and take
responsibility. With her determination and the nourishment made possible by Akshaya
Chaitanya and our generous donors, Riya is building a brighter future for herself
and her family.
When Mahi's Morning Met a Meal, Learning Came Alive.
Mahi Valmiki studies in Class 6, Section A. She lives in a small home with her
parents and two siblings. Her mother, Sunita, works in housekeeping. Her father,
Raju, is a watchman. Both leave early each morning-long before Mahi and her siblings
wake up. With no time or resources to prepare breakfast, Mahi's day used to begin
with just chai or a few leftover biscuits. Her first real meal would come only at
lunchtime. By then, her energy had dipped, her focus scattered.
But that changed when Akshaya Chaitanya began serving breakfast at her school. Now,
as the first break rings, Mahi receives a warm, nutritious meal-served with dignity,
care, and consistency. She enters her classroom awake, alert, and ready to learn. A
small act. A big difference. Because for children like Mahi, a hot breakfast is more
than a meal-it's a head start.
Sixty & Strong - Powered by One Meal & Infinite Resilience.
Fatima is 60. She never expected to become her family's sole caregiver-but when her
son was diagnosed with kidney failure, life changed overnight. The shock wasn't just
the illness. It was also his wife's sudden departure-leaving behind a sick husband,
a young child, and a mother to carry it all. At an age where rest is earned, Fatima
rose instead. With no regular income, she started drawing from her meager
savings-stretching every rupee to cover medicines, hospital runs, and school needs.
But there's one thing she no longer has to stretch: a meal. Every day, Akshaya
Chaitanya ensures she gets a hot, nutritious plate of food. One meal less to worry
about-one quiet moment of dignity and care. Fatima's story isn't just about
hardship. It's about fierce love, silent sacrifice, and strength that refuses to
crumble.
MANSI'S FIGHT FOR LIFE: A MOTHER'S UNWAVERING STRENGTH
Meet Mansi and her mother, who came to Mumbai from a small village in Nanded,
battling loss, illness, and uncertainty. Tragedy struck early-Mansi lost her father
in 4th grade, and by 6th grade, she was diagnosed with blood cancer. Her mother, the
sole breadwinner, worked tirelessly to support Mansi and her younger brother. But
when Mansi's treatment began at Tata Hospital, she had to quit her job, plunging
them into financial hardship. Alone in a new city, survival became a daily struggle.
Medical bills, basic needs, and even food seemed impossible to manage. Mansi's
mother often skipped meals, prioritizing her daughter's fight against cancer. Then
came Akshaya Chaitanya-a beacon of hope. Through our free, nutritious meals for
families in government hospitals, Mansi's mother found relief. With one less worry,
she can now focus entirely on Mansi's treatment. Her words echo hope: "Mansi will
win this fight and return to Nanded, to her home, to her school, and to her
friends." At Akshaya Chaitanya, we stand beside families like Mansi's. Together, we
ensure no mother or child faces hunger in their toughest battle.
SHREYA'S JOURNEY: FUELED BY SACRIFICE, STRENGTH & HOPE
Shreyas once had a happy life with his parents and elder brother, Shekhar in Dowri
Gali-until tragedy struck. Two years ago, a fatal accident took their parents,
leaving the brothers orphaned. At just 18, Shekhar sacrificed his education to care
for Shreyas, taking up odd jobs to survive. With no support, he became a guardian,
provider, and cook-doing everything to ensure his younger brother's future. Despite
their struggles, one thing remained certain-Shreyas never had to go hungry. Thanks
to Akshaya Chaitanya, he received a nutritious midday meal at school, keeping his
dreams alive A brilliant student in math and sports, Shreyas dreams of becoming a
doctor, not just for himself, but to help children like him. More than anything, he
wants to repay Shekhar's sacrifice and make him proud At Akshaya Chaitanya, we
believe no child should go hungry, especially those striving for a better future.
Together, we can help children like Shreyas turn their struggles into success.
Feeding Dreams: Sonali’s Path to Justice Starts with a Meal
Read the Inspiring Journey of an Orphan Girl Chasing Her Dream to Become a Lawyer:
In the vibrant but challenging lanes of Dharavi, 10-year-old Sonali dreams of
becoming a lawyer. Orphaned when she was just 2 years old, she now lives with her
grandparents and uncle, a daily wage worker doing his best to support a family of
four. But their limited means only stretch to one meal a day, leaving Sonali to
wrestle with hunger while chasing her education. Despite these hardships, Sonali’s
resilience shines brightly. A brilliant student with a zest for learning, she dreams
of a future where she can fight for justice and uplift those like her. “I want to
stand up for people who have no one to speak for them,” she says, her voice steady
with determination. Thanks to the two nutritious meals she receives at school,
Sonali no longer has to choose between hunger and hope. These meals have become more
than just food—they’re a source of strength and belief. “When I eat at school, it
feels like someone cares for me,” she shares with a heartfelt smile. At Akshaya
Chaitanya, we’re not just feeding children; we’re empowering them to dream and
achieve. Together, we can ensure that bright minds like Sonali’s are never held back
by hunger. Your support can turn hunger into hope. Let’s help Sonali and children
like her build a brighter tomorrow.
A Daughter’s Struggle: Meal Serving More Than Food: How a Meal Rekindled Hope for Lata & Anjali
For Lata Dhanwi, life took a cruel turn when her only daughter, Anjali, met with a
severe accident that left her bedridden. Lata and Anjali come from a small village
near Ambernath, where Lata, a 68-year-old widow, had always struggled to make ends
meet. Anjali, despite their humble background, had become the family's sole
breadwinner, taking up tailoring work to support her mother. Their financial
situation was fragile, with just enough income to cover basic necessities. When
Anjali suffered a severe leg injury in an accident, their world fell apart. With no
savings to fall back on, her hospitalization at KEM Hospital in Mumbai added an
overwhelming financial and emotional burden. The accident not only fractured
Anjali’s leg but also shattered their already precarious stability. For Lata, who
had never left her village, arriving in Mumbai was a daunting experience. The
bustling city, unfamiliar hospital corridors, and medical terms she couldn’t
understand left her feeling helpless. The financial strain of Anjali's treatment,
combined with the mounting cost of daily survival, pushed Lata to her limits. Amid
this despair, Akshaya Chaitanya became her beacon of hope. The nutritious meals
provided each day not only eased the financial strain but also gave Lata the
strength to care for her daughter. “I didn’t know how I would manage without Anjali.
These meals are my only solace—they make me feel like I’m not completely alone in
this city,” Lata shared. For over 10 days, Lata endured sleepless nights and
anxiety, staying by Anjali’s side in an unfamiliar city. But knowing she didn’t have
to worry about food gave her the courage to keep going and support her daughter’s
recovery. At Akshaya Chaitanya, we understand the ripple effect of a patient’s
health on their families. That’s why we are committed to providing free meals to
patient relatives in government hospitals, easing at least one part of their
overwhelming burden. Together, we can ensure families like Lata’s never lose hope.
THE STORY OF: Gokarna Bhalerao
Gokarna Bhalerao, 57, from the small village of Bhiu in Maharashtra’s Nanded
district, had known struggle for as long as she could remember. Widowed when her son
Krishna was just three, Gokarna raised him single-handedly, working tirelessly as a
daily wage laborer. By the time Krishna turned 12, he had begun working on farms to
help support their small family, carrying responsibilities far beyond his years.
They had little, but they had each other—and that was enough. Life took a
devastating turn in late 2023. Krishna, 19, was caught in the chaos of a protest for
Maratha reservations. Amid the fervor, he suffered severe burns—50% of his body
scorched in the violence. The initial treatment at a private hospital in Nanded
drained 70,000, a sum far beyond their means, but fellow protestors pooled together
whatever they could to ensure Krishna survived those first critical days. However,
his injuries required long-term care, and in January 2024, Gokarna brought him to
Kasturba Hospital in Mumbai. For Gokarna, Mumbai was a different world—its crowded
streets, endless noise, and towering buildings were overwhelming. Used to the
simplicity of village life, she felt lost and out of place in the metropolis. But
there was no time to dwell on her discomfort; Krishna needed her. Every day brought
new challenges. Searching for the right medicines, scouring hospitals for blood, and
running from one public hospital to another became her routine. She soon realized
that life in the city was unforgiving. Even the smallest comfort—a cup of tea—was a
luxury she couldn’t afford. Whatever little money she had was set aside for
Krishna’s treatment. The cost of Krishna’s daily needs—medications, apple juice to
keep up his strength, and other essentials—ranged between 350 to 500. Gokarna relied
entirely on free meals to survive, ensuring every rupee was saved for her son’s
care. Her own hunger was insignificant; what mattered was giving Krishna a fighting
chance. Gokarna’s heart ached as she watched her son suffer, but there was no room
for despair. Her love for him fueled her determination. Day after day, she stayed by
Krishna’s side, nursing him, hoping, and praying. Life had never been kind to them,
but Gokarna refused to let her hardships break her spirit. She saved every coin, not
just for survival, but for hope—a hope that one day Krishna would walk out of the
hospital and back into the world, healed and whole. Gokarna knew the road ahead was
long and uncertain, but she had already walked countless miles alone. Now, she
walked them with her son, hand in hand, determined to reach a better tomorrow.
THE STORY OF : Makrand Gavankar
A 10th-grade student at N.M. Joshi Marathi Municipal School in Parel, Mumbai,
carries responsibilities far beyond his years. After losing his father, Laxman, two
years ago, Makrand's family moved from their native village in Ratnagiri to Mumbai
in search of stability. His mother, Gayatri, works tirelessly as a contract worker
at Nair Hospital to support Makrand and his younger sister, though her salary is
irregular, and she hasn't been paid for the last two months. With rent to manage and
the emotional toll of selling her jewelry for her husband's treatment, the family
faces relentless financial strain.
Despite these challenges, Makrand excels in academics. A class topper from 1st to
8th grade, he scored 78% in his recent unit test and hopes to surpass 90% to access
better education opportunities. His passion lies in mathematics, and he dreams of
becoming a scientist one day. Alongside his studies, he looks after his sister,
helpijig her prepare for school and guiding her with her homework. Their day often
begins with just tea and biscuits, and the first real meal for Makrand isn't until 3
PM, provided by Akshaya Chaitanya's midday meal program.
The impact of this meal is profound. "Without it, I would have no option but to
attend school on an empty stomach," Makrand admits. His sister, too, receives her
first meal of the day through the same initiative. The two siblings rely on this
food to stay focused during school hours, as their mother leaves home at 7 AM and
struggles to make ends meet. Makrand finds joy in playing chess and cricket and has
a fascination with planetary science. He even dreams of owning a sports car one day,
though the road to his dreams is not easy, especially without much support from
relatives.
Amidst all the hardships, Makrand's resilience shines through.
Programs like the Reliance Foundation's support for Akshaya Chaitanya's Bal Shiksha
Ahara are essential, enabling over 5,000 children every day to pursue their
education despite poverty.
Makrand's journey exemplifies how these initiatives provide more than just
meals-they nourish the hopes and ambitions of children striving to uplift their
families, society, and the nation.
A Plate of Hope That Brought My Dreams Back
By Manoj Yadav, 7 years old, Wadi Bunder, Mumbai Manoj Yadav is a bright 7-year-old
boy living with his parents and two younger siblings in a cramped, crowded room in
the Wadi Bunder slums of Mumbai. Life has always been a struggle, with hunger as a
constant companion.
Due to his family's financial hardships, Manoj often went to school on an empty
stomach. Many days, all he had was a glass of water, leaving him with a painful
emptiness and too little energy to focus or play. He watched his classmates run and
laugh, while he felt too tired and weak to join them, sitting on the sidelines with
exhaustion holding him back.
At home, the situation was equally challenging. Manoj's family frequently went to
bed with barely enough food to sustain them. Sometimes, he lay awake, hunger pangs
bringing tears to his eyes, wishing for a meal that could make him feel whole.
School, which should have been a place of excitement and learning, became difficult
as hunger clouded his thoughts and dulled his joy.
Then, one day, something changed. Manoj received a warm, nourishing meal from
Akshaya Chaitanya's kitchen. With each bite, he felt a wave of joy and relief he
hadn't felt in a long time. This wasn't just food It was hope. For the first time in
what seemed like forever, Manoj felt full, energized, and alive.
"I can think clearly now. I can play with my friends again," Manoj says, his face
lighting up with a smile as he recalls that moment.
Thanks to Akshaya Chaitanya, Manoj didn't just receive a meal; he regained his
energy, his laughter, and the ability to dream. Akshaya Chaitanya became an unsung
hero in Manoj's life, providing more than food-they gave him back his childhood, his
spirit, and the hope to believe in a brighter future.
A Father's Love: Swaraj's Battle Ba and the Power of Support
India is home to over 2.10 lakh cancer patients, and among them is little Swaraj, a
boy from a small village in Maharashtra's Parbhani district. His story is one of
courage, resilience, and a father's unwavering love.
Maruti, a humble farmer and daily wage worker, supports his family of eight,
including his aging parents, wife, son Swaraj, sister-in-law, nephew, and niece.
Tragedy struck last year when Maruti lost his brother to a pesticide-related
infection, a painful loss that also left him with a debt of 1.5 lakh rupees. Despite
his grief, Maruti did his best to carry his family forward.
Nine months ago, Maruti faced another heartbreaking challenge when Swaraj, then just
1.5 years old, developed swelling in his cheeks. The family visited local doctors,
but no one could diagnose the issue. They moved from one doctor to another-from
Parbhani to a private hospital-until they finally received the diagnosis in
Aurangabad: Swaraj had cancer. To access advanced treatment, they were advised to
travel to Mumbai, a city Maruti had never seen before.
Leaving everything behind, Maruti brought his family to Mumbai. His meager income of
10,000 rupees a month had to stretch to support his entire family and Swaraj's
costly treatment. They mortgaged land and pawned family jewelry, barely scraping by.
Life in Mumbai was unfamiliar and isolating; Maruti was far from friends and family,
and survival became a daily struggle, Unable to afford regular meals, he often got
by on a banana or a vada pav.
In the midst of this hardship, Akshaya Chaitanya became a lifeline for Maruti,
Swaraj, and his mother, providing daily, nutritious meals. Each meal has been more
than just food-it's been a source of strength and comfort, allowing Maruti to focus
on Swaraj's treatment without the constant worry of finding their next meal.
Swaraj has endured four rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, with any months of
treatment still ahead. Maruti draws strength from seeing his son's determination to
fight, knowing that Akshaya Chaitanya stands beside them with vital support.
Through this journey, we at Akshaya Chaitanya are humbled to be a part of Swaraj's
story, nourishing his family not only with food but with compassion and care.
Maruti's story is one of sacrifice, resilience, and a father's steadfast hope for
his child's future.
Your support helps us reach families like Maruti's, offering not only meals but also
hope and comfort in their most difficult moments.
RAHUL'S JOURNEY FROM HUNGER TO HOPE
In the quiet outskirts of Mumbai, 10-year-old Rahul Verma starts each day facing a
harsh reality: the pangs of persistent hunger. His father, a rickshaw driver, works
tirelessly to support their family of seven, yet often, the food they can afford
barely stretches far enough.
For Rahul, school was a struggle, not from lack of interest, but because hunger
clouded his concentration and sapped his energy. The rumble of his empty stomach
often drowned out the teacher's voice, and the vibrant energy of his classmates felt
like a distant world.
At home, nights were no easier. His mother's gentle hands would wrap a wet cloth
around his stomach, hoping to ease the ache enough to let him sleep. Despite her
deep love, the grip of hunger was relentless, an unwelcome certainty in their lives.
Then, a turning point came with Akshaya Chaitanya. When Rahul received a warm,
nutritious meal fram their kitchen, it wasn't just food on his plate-it was dignity,
hope, and courage reborn. For the first time in too long, Rahul could sit through
class without the distraction of hunger. He found himself energized, able to think
clearly, play, and laugh-a normal child again.
"I can focus now," Rahul shares with a bright smile. "I no longer feel weak all the
time. Akshaya Chaitanya didn't just feed me; they gave me back my strength and
courage."
Thanks to Akshaya Chaitanya's steadfast support, Rahul no longer battles hunger
alone. With every meal, he gains a little more strength to face each day with
renewed hope and vigor, slowly breaking free from the chains of hunger
AARTI'S STORY OF RESILIENCE AND RENEWAL
At 32, Aarti was a dedicated mother of two in Mumbai, facing an overwhelming crisis.
Her husband, Deepak, the family's sole provider, suffered a severe accident, leaving
him hospitalized and unable to work.
With Deepak incapacitated, the responsibility of sustaining the family fell solely
on Aarti's shoulders.
Amid rising medical bills and dwindling savings, Aartis life became a daily battle.
She took on the dual role of caregiver for her husband and provider for her
children, all while neglecting her own well-being. In a desperate attempt to
conserve resources, she skipped meals, which only weakened her further, compromising
her ability to care for her family and support her husband's recovery.
During this trying period, Aarti discovered Akshaya Chaitanya's program providing
free, nutritious meals to families of hospitalized patients.
Reaching out to them was a turning point. The meals she received were not just
sustenance but a beacon of hope and strength. For the first time in months, she
didn't have to worry about her next meal, allowing her to focus on her family's
immediate needs with renewed vigor.
"I don't know how I would have managed without Akshaya Chaitanya," Aarti reflects
gratefully. "They provided more than just meals; they restored my hope and gave me
the strength to navigate through this storm." With the support from Akshaya
Chaitanya, Aarti was empowered to care for her children, aid her husband's recovery,
and reclaim the strength she feared was lost. The nourishment they provided helped
transform her situation, turning what started as a meal into a powerful catalyst for
recovery and resilience.
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