26th March 2025: Suma Kanakala, renowned Telugu television personality and brand ambassador for Wagh Bakri Tea Group, joined hands with the Wagh Bakri Foundation as it donated 9 new food distribution vehicles to The Akshaya Patra Foundation. This initiative underscores Wagh Bakri Tea Group’s commitment to social responsibility and its support for the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Initiative in Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme.)
The donation aims to provide nutritious meals to over 10,500 students across 205+ Anganwadis & Government schools in Hyderabad and Nellore. The specialized vehicles, flagged off in Hyderabad on Tuesday and in Nellore on Thursday, will ensure children receive healthy meals, supporting their educational journey.
The Wagh Bakri Foundation has been a longstanding partner of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, collaborating since 2021 to combat classroom hunger nationwide. The addition of these vehicles brings the total to 32 vehicles donated, benefitting children in various states including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Speaking at the flagging-off ceremony in Hyderabad, Sanjay Singal, CEO of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are privileged to support thousands of students through our partnership with Akshaya Patra Foundation. This initiative reflects our commitment to giving back to society and ensuring children receive quality education with proper nutrition. With our enhanced presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, we are dedicated to expanding our philanthropic efforts.”
Ms. Suma Kanakala praised Wagh Bakri Tea Group’s initiative, stating, “I am honored to be associated with Wagh Bakri, a brand that not only delivers quality tea but also contributes meaningfully to society. Their support for Akshaya Patra Foundation’s noble mission is commendable, and I deeply appreciate the positive impact they are making in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.”
The Akshaya Patra Foundation, an independent charitable trust, operates under the Government of India’s PM POSHAN Initiative to combat malnutrition and classroom hunger. It runs kitchens in 78 locations across 16 states and three union territories, reaching over 22 lakh children in more than 23,000 schools and Anganwadis.
Commending Wagh Bakri Tea Group support, Swamijee Yagneshwara Dasa of Hare Krishna Movement remarked, “Wagh Bakri Tea Group’s generosity strengthens our food distribution network, ensuring lakhs of children receive nutritious meals daily, enabling them to focus on their studies and secure brighter futures. We sincerely thank Wagh Bakri Tea Group for their unwavering support.”
The flagging-off events were attended by senior officials of Wagh Bakri Tea Group, including Senior Vice President Mr. Yogesh Shinde, Head (South) Mr. PV Suresh, CSR Head Mr. Ajay Ciciliya, and representatives from The Akshaya Patra Foundation. The dignitaries also visited local schools, witnessing firsthand the impact of the program and interacting with beneficiaries.
