On Oct. 7, a team of Surya [Indian rug importers] employees will run the Allstate Atlanta 13.1 Marathon to raise $25,000 to eradicate hunger and promote education in rural India. All funds raised will go to Akshaya Patra, one of the world’s largest NGO-run school lunch programs.
Akshaya Patra serves more than 1.3 million children in rural India a freshly prepared, nutritious lunch daily. For many children, the Akshaya Patra meal is their only complete meal for the day. It serves as an incentive for children to go to school and stay in school.
Surya was founded in rural North India and is very conscious of the health and educational challenges in rural areas, according to a company press release.
“Surya is very committed to improving the welfare of communities it works with,” Surya President Satya Tiwari said in a June press release announcing the company’s partnership with Akshaya Patra. “Access to quality education is critical for the sustenance of these communities and without adequate food, it is difficult for students to stay in school and learn. Surya wants to be part of that solution.”