New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) On Saturday, the Chief Minister of Delhi, Rekha Gupta, officially launched the 'Morning Nutrition Programme', a remarkable initiative by the Akshaya Patra Foundation. This program, in partnership with 200 Delhi government schools, aims to provide nutritious meals to nearly 90,000 students.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the joy seen on the faces of schoolchildren illustrates that nutrition transcends mere sustenance; it is the cornerstone for a prosperous future.

She highlighted that this initiative continues the cultural tradition in India where food donation is considered a supreme virtue.

Expressing her appreciation for the foundation's efforts, she characterized the program as a solid groundwork for the children's bright futures, assuring that the Delhi government is fully committed to supporting this noble mission.

Rekha Gupta pointed out that the Mid-Day Meal Scheme has successfully connected millions of children to educational institutions, significantly contributing to their physical and mental growth.

Building on this, the 'Morning Nutrition Programme' will equip children with essential energy and nourishment at the beginning of their day, allowing them to engage actively in academics, sports, and other extracurricular activities.

The meals are efficiently prepared and delivered from the foundation's advanced kitchens located in the capital. She regarded this initiative as a vital step toward the all-around development of children.

Under the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, programs like PM Poshan, the National Food Security Act, and the Poshan Abhiyaan have made nutrition a collective movement across the nation.

She stated that healthy and well-nourished children form the bedrock of a developed India.

In her remarks regarding the Prime Minister’s initiatives for women’s and girls’ health, nutrition for expectant mothers, promotion of millets, and vaccination against cervical cancer, she noted that these efforts are essential for cultivating a healthier India.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that with the commitment that 'no one should sleep hungry', the Delhi government has been serving meals at a nominal cost of just Rs 5 through Atal Canteens to workers, the underprivileged, and caregivers of patients.

The goal is to serve meals to one lakh people daily, with plans to establish 100 Atal Canteens, 71 of which are already operational.

She stressed the importance of prioritizing nutrition and health over treatment, asserting that a healthy childhood is pivotal for a prosperous India.

The collaborative model between the government and organizations like the Akshaya Patra Foundation serves as an exemplary instance of synergy between society and governance, she remarked.

On this occasion, notable figures including senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Shyam Jaju, National President of the Akshaya Patra Foundation Bharatarsabha Das, Vice-President Chanchalpati Das, and Chairman of the Education Committee of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi Yogesh Verma, among other dignitaries, were present.