Nara Bhuvaneswari Donates Rs 76 Lakh for Meals at Anna Canteens on Chandrababu's Birthday
Synopsis
Nara Bhuvaneswari, wife of Andhra Pradesh CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, donates Rs 76 lakh to provide free meals at Anna canteens across the state to celebrate her husband’s birthday. This initiative reinforces the commitment to aiding the underprivileged.
Key Takeaways
Nara Bhuvaneswari donated Rs 76 lakh for free meals.
Meals are available at 269 Anna canteens statewide.
Each meal costs only Rs 5 .
An average of 1,013 meals served daily at each canteen.
2.10 lakh individuals served daily through the canteens.
Amaravati, April 19 (NationPress) On the occasion of his birthday on April 20, Nara Bhuvaneswari, the wife of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, has generously contributed Rs 76 lakh for the provision of free meals at all Anna canteens throughout the state.
Bhuvaneswari, who serves as the Vice-Chairperson and Managing Director of Heritage Foods, as well as the Managing Trustee of NTR Memorial Trust, personally presented the cheque for Rs 76 lakh alongside her husband.
“It brings me great joy to contribute Rs 76 lakh in honor of Chandrababu garu’s birthday for the upkeep of Anna Canteens, which offer meals to those in need with dignity for just Rs 5. On this special day, free meals will be available at all 269 Anna Canteens across the state,” she shared on X.
“There is no greater fulfillment than nourishing the hungry. For Chandrababu garu, who always shows compassion for the less fortunate, this gesture serves as a fitting tribute on his birthday,” she added.
On April 15, the Chief Minister inaugurated the 'Anna Canteen' in Dharanikota, Palnadu district.
He purchased a token for Rs 5 and dined with the laborers, personally serving food to those who gathered at the canteen.
A total of 62 new Anna Canteens were launched in rural areas on that day.
With 204 existing canteens in urban areas plus the 65 in villages, the total now stands at 269, with an additional five canteens set to open soon, as announced by the Chief Minister.
He recounted that shortly after taking office in 2024, his government prioritized establishing 'Anna Canteens' statewide, initially focusing on urban settings.
He praised the Akshaya Patra Foundation for its ongoing support in supplying meals to the Anna Canteens, noting that over the last 25 years, the foundation has provided 500 crore meals. The meals offered at Anna Canteens for just Rs 5 are crucial for the poor, auto-rickshaw drivers, laborers, and daily wage earners.
“We have enabled the community to satisfy their hunger three times a day. Each Anna Canteen serves an average of 1,013 meals daily. The operational cost is around Rs 26,250 per day. Currently, 2.10 lakh individuals across the state benefit from the Anna Canteens daily, amounting to a daily expenditure exceeding Rs 54 lakh. For the newly established 62 rural Anna Canteens, the food subsidy alone will increase costs by an additional Rs 18 lakh per day, totaling Rs 58 crore annually,” CM Naidu elaborated.
Point of View
This act of charity by Nara Bhuvaneswari reflects a commitment to social welfare and highlights the ongoing efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government to support the underprivileged. The Anna Canteens stand as a vital resource in addressing hunger in the state, showcasing a proactive approach towards community service.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Nara Bhuvaneswari's donation?
Nara Bhuvaneswari's donation of Rs 76 lakh aims to provide free meals at Anna canteens across Andhra Pradesh, celebrating her husband’s birthday while supporting the underprivileged.
How many Anna canteens are currently operational?
There are currently 269 Anna canteens operational across Andhra Pradesh, with plans to open five more soon.
What is the cost of meals at Anna canteens?
Meals at Anna canteens are provided for just Rs 5, ensuring affordable access for the poor.
Who supports the Anna canteens with food supplies?
The Akshaya Patra Foundation plays a crucial role in supplying meals to the Anna canteens.
How many people benefit from Anna canteens daily?
Approximately 2.10 lakh people benefit from meals at Anna canteens every day.
