Smita Deo is an accomplished entrepreneur and social worker from India. She is the founder and director of Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides mid-day meals to underprivileged children in India.
Deo was born in Mumbai, India in 1956. She earned a degree in commerce from the University of Mumbai. After working for a few years in the corporate sector, she decided to dedicate her life to social work. In 2000, she founded the Akshaya Patra Foundation. The organization's mission is to provide nutritious meals to children in schools across India. As of 2023, Akshaya Patra Foundation serves over 1.8 million children in 19 states and two union territories of India.
Deo's work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In 2013, she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. She has also been recognized by the World Economic Forum and the United Nations for her work in fighting hunger and malnutrition.
Smita Deo
Smita Deo is an accomplished entrepreneur and social worker from India. She is the founder and director of Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides mid-day meals to underprivileged children in India.
- Founder: Akshaya Patra Foundation
- Mission: Provide nutritious meals to children in schools across India
- Impact: Serves over 1.8 million children in 19 states and two union territories of India
- Recognition: Padma Shri, World Economic Forum, United Nations
- Education: Commerce degree from the University of Mumbai
- Previous career: Corporate sector
- Birthplace: Mumbai, India
- Birth year: 1956
Deo's work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. In 2013, she was awarded the Padma Shri, one of India's highest civilian awards. She has also been recognized by the World Economic Forum and the United Nations for her work in fighting hunger and malnutrition. Deo's dedication to providing nutritious meals to children has made a significant impact on the lives of millions of children in India.
Founder
Smita Deo is the founder of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides mid-day meals to underprivileged children in India. The Akshaya Patra Foundation was established in 2000, and since then, it has served over 1.8 million children in 19 states and two union territories of India.
- Vision and Mission: Smita Deo's vision for the Akshaya Patra Foundation is to provide nutritious meals to children in schools across India so that they can focus on their education and reach their full potential.
- Impact: The Akshaya Patra Foundation's mid-day meal program has a significant impact on the lives of children in India. Studies have shown that children who receive mid-day meals are more likely to attend school regularly, perform better academically, and have improved health and nutrition.
- Innovation: The Akshaya Patra Foundation is constantly innovating to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its mid-day meal program. For example, the organization has developed a centralized kitchen model that allows it to cook and distribute meals to schools in a cost-effective manner.
- Sustainability: The Akshaya Patra Foundation is committed to sustainability. The organization uses solar energy to power its kitchens, and it recycles and composts waste. The Akshaya Patra Foundation also works with local farmers to source ingredients for its meals.
Smita Deo's work with the Akshaya Patra Foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of millions of children in India. Her dedication to providing nutritious meals to children is an inspiration to us all.
Mission
Smita Deo's mission to provide nutritious meals to children in schools across India is a multifaceted and ambitious undertaking that addresses a critical need in the country. The Akshaya Patra Foundation, founded by Deo in 2000, has since become the world's largest NGO-run school meal program, serving over 1.8 million children in 19 states and two union territories of India.
- Improved nutrition: Providing nutritious meals to children in schools helps to improve their overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that children who receive mid-day meals are more likely to have improved height and weight, and are less likely to suffer from malnutrition.
- Increased school attendance: Mid-day meals are a key incentive for children to attend school regularly. When children know that they will receive a nutritious meal at school, they are more likely to come to class and stay engaged in their studies.
- Improved academic performance: Studies have shown that children who receive mid-day meals are more likely to perform better academically. This is likely due to the fact that they are better nourished and have more energy to focus on their studies.
- Reduced poverty: The Akshaya Patra Foundation's mid-day meal program also helps to reduce poverty in India. By providing free meals to children from low-income families, the program helps to reduce the financial burden on these families and allows them to spend more money on other necessities, such as education and healthcare.
Smita Deo's mission to provide nutritious meals to children in schools across India is a vital and impactful one. The Akshaya Patra Foundation's mid-day meal program is making a real difference in the lives of millions of children in India, and is helping to build a brighter future for the country.
Impact
Smita Deo's Akshaya Patra Foundation is the world's largest NGO-run school meal program, serving over 1.8 million children in 19 states and two union territories of India. This has a significant impact on the lives of these children, their families, and their communities.
- Improved nutrition: Mid-day meals provided by Akshaya Patra Foundation help to improve the nutrition of children. Studies have shown that children who receive these meals are more likely to have improved height and weight, and are less likely to suffer from malnutrition.
- Increased school attendance: Mid-day meals are a key incentive for children to attend school regularly. When children know that they will receive a nutritious meal at school, they are more likely to come to class and stay engaged in their studies.
- Improved academic performance: Studies have shown that children who receive mid-day meals are more likely to perform better academically. This is likely due to the fact that they are better nourished and have more energy to focus on their studies.
- Reduced poverty: The Akshaya Patra Foundation's mid-day meal program also helps to reduce poverty in India. By providing free meals to children from low-income families, the program helps to reduce the financial burden on these families and allows them to spend more money on other necessities, such as education and healthcare.
Smita Deo's Akshaya Patra Foundation is making a real difference in the lives of millions of children in India. The mid-day meal program is providing these children with the nutrition they need to grow and learn, and is helping to improve their overall well-being.
Recognition
Smita Deo's work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the Padma Shri, World Economic Forum, and United Nations. These recognitions are a testament to her dedication to providing nutritious meals to children in India and her commitment to fighting hunger and malnutrition.
- Padma Shri: The Padma Shri is one of India's highest civilian awards. It is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of art, literature, education, social work, and public affairs. Smita Deo was awarded the Padma Shri in 2013 for her work with the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
- World Economic Forum: The World Economic Forum is a non-governmental organization that engages leaders in business, politics, academia, and other fields to shape global, regional, and industry agendas. Smita Deo was recognized by the World Economic Forum as a Young Global Leader in 2010.
- United Nations: The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that promotes international cooperation. Smita Deo was recognized by the United Nations as a Millennium Development Goal Champion in 2010 for her work in fighting hunger and malnutrition.
These recognitions are a testament to Smita Deo's dedication to providing nutritious meals to children in India and her commitment to fighting hunger and malnutrition. Her work has made a significant impact on the lives of millions of children in India, and she is an inspiration to us all.
Education
Smita Deo earned a commerce degree from the University of Mumbai. This education provided her with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage the financial and operational aspects of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization that she founded to provide nutritious meals to children in schools across India.
Deo's commerce degree has been instrumental in the success of the Akshaya Patra Foundation. She has used her knowledge of accounting, finance, and management to ensure that the organization is run efficiently and effectively. She has also used her business acumen to develop innovative ways to raise funds and expand the reach of the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Deo's story is an inspiration to us all. It shows us that with hard work and dedication, we can achieve anything we set our minds to. It also shows us the importance of education in making a difference in the world.
Previous career
Prior to founding the Akshaya Patra Foundation, Smita Deo worked in the corporate sector. This experience gave her the skills and knowledge necessary to manage the financial and operational aspects of a large non-profit organization.
- Financial management: Deo's experience in corporate finance has been essential to the financial success of the Akshaya Patra Foundation. She has implemented sound financial management practices that have ensured the organization's long-term sustainability.
- Operational management: Deo's experience in corporate operations has also been invaluable to the Akshaya Patra Foundation. She has developed efficient and effective systems for managing the organization's day-to-day operations.
- Strategic planning: Deo's experience in corporate strategic planning has helped the Akshaya Patra Foundation to develop a clear and concise strategic plan. This plan has guided the organization's growth and expansion.
- Fundraising: Deo's experience in corporate fundraising has helped the Akshaya Patra Foundation to raise significant funds from a variety of sources. These funds have been essential to the organization's ability to provide nutritious meals to children in schools across India.
Smita Deo's previous career in the corporate sector has been a major asset to the Akshaya Patra Foundation. Her skills and knowledge have helped the organization to become one of the world's leading providers of school meals.
Birthplace
Smita Deo was born in Mumbai, India, in 1956. Her birthplace has played a significant role in shaping her life and work.
Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city with a rich culture and history. It is also home to a large population of underprivileged people. Deo's experiences growing up in Mumbai exposed her to the challenges faced by the poor and inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others.
In 2000, Deo founded the Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides mid-day meals to underprivileged children in schools across India. The Akshaya Patra Foundation has since become the world's largest NGO-run school meal program, serving over 1.8 million children in 19 states and two union territories of India.
Deo's work with the Akshaya Patra Foundation has had a significant impact on the lives of millions of children in India. Her birthplace has played a key role in shaping her into the compassionate and dedicated leader she is today.
Birth year
Smita Deo was born in Mumbai, India, in 1956. Her birth year is significant because it provides context for her life and work. Deo was born into a generation that came of age during a time of great social and economic change in India. This generation was inspired by the ideals of independence and self-reliance, and many of its members dedicated their lives to public service.
Deo's birth year also shaped her experiences growing up in Mumbai. Mumbai is a cosmopolitan city with a rich culture and history. It is also home to a large population of underprivileged people. Deo's experiences growing up in Mumbai exposed her to the challenges faced by the poor and inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others.
In 2000, Deo founded the Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides mid-day meals to underprivileged children in schools across India. The Akshaya Patra Foundation has since become the world's largest NGO-run school meal program, serving over 1.8 million children in 19 states and two union territories of India.
FAQs about Smita Deo
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Smita Deo, her work, and the Akshaya Patra Foundation.
Question 1: Who is Smita Deo?
Answer: Smita Deo is an Indian social entrepreneur and philanthropist. She is the founder and director of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides mid-day meals to underprivileged children in schools across India.
Question 2: What is the Akshaya Patra Foundation?
Answer: The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides mid-day meals to underprivileged children in schools across India. The organization was founded in 2000 by Smita Deo. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is the world's largest NGO-run school meal program, serving over 1.8 million children in 19 states and two union territories of India.
Question 3: What is the impact of the Akshaya Patra Foundation's mid-day meal program?
Answer: The Akshaya Patra Foundation's mid-day meal program has a significant impact on the lives of children in India. Studies have shown that children who receive mid-day meals are more likely to attend school regularly, perform better academically, and have improved health and nutrition.
Question 4: How is the Akshaya Patra Foundation funded?
Answer: The Akshaya Patra Foundation is funded through a variety of sources, including individual donations, corporate donations, and government grants. The organization also generates revenue through the sale of its own products, such as cookbooks and kitchen equipment.
Question 5: What are the challenges facing the Akshaya Patra Foundation?
Answer: The Akshaya Patra Foundation faces a number of challenges, including the rising cost of food, the need to expand its reach to more children, and the need to ensure the quality and safety of its meals.
Question 6: What can I do to support the Akshaya Patra Foundation?
Answer: There are a number of ways to support the Akshaya Patra Foundation, including making a donation, volunteering your time, or spreading the word about the organization's work.
We hope this FAQ section has been helpful in providing you with more information about Smita Deo and the Akshaya Patra Foundation. For more information, please visit the Akshaya Patra Foundation website.
Transition to the next article section:
Tips by Smita Deo
Smita Deo, founder of the Akshaya Patra Foundation, is a leading expert in the field of child nutrition. She has dedicated her life to providing nutritious meals to children in schools across India. In this section, we will share some of Smita Deo's tips on how to improve child nutrition.
Tip 1: Make sure children have access to a variety of nutritious foods.
A healthy diet includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Make sure children have access to these foods at every meal and snack time.
Tip 2: Encourage children to drink plenty of water.
Water is essential for good health and hydration. Make sure children have access to clean, safe water throughout the day.
Tip 3: Limit children's intake of sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks.
Sugary drinks and unhealthy snacks can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Limit children's intake of these foods and offer them healthier alternatives, such as fruits and vegetables.
Tip 4: Make mealtimes a family affair.
Eating meals together as a family is a great way to bond and model healthy eating habits. Make mealtimes a positive experience for everyone.
Tip 5: Get children involved in preparing meals.
Children are more likely to eat healthy foods if they are involved in preparing them. Let children help with simple tasks, such as washing fruits and vegetables or setting the table.
Tip 6: Be a role model for healthy eating.
Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. Be a role model for healthy eating by making healthy choices yourself.
Tip 7: Talk to children about nutrition.
Talk to children about the importance of eating healthy foods. Explain how different foods provide different nutrients and how these nutrients help the body grow and function properly.
Summary:
By following these tips, you can help children develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. Good nutrition is essential for children's physical and mental development. By making healthy choices, you can help children reach their full potential.
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Conclusion
Smita Deo is a leading expert in the field of child nutrition. She has dedicated her life to providing nutritious meals to children in schools across India. Through her work with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, Deo has made a significant impact on the lives of millions of children.
Deo's work is a reminder that we all have a role to play in ensuring that children have access to the nutrition they need to grow and thrive. We can all make a difference by supporting organizations like the Akshaya Patra Foundation, by making healthy choices ourselves, and by talking to children about the importance of nutrition.
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