Raj Bhavan Annam canteen to provide free breakfast to students, workers

The Governor and her husband, eminent nephrologist Dr. P. Soundararajan, served breakfast to the students and workers on Monday and later sat down to eat with them.

Highlighting the importance of a good nutritious breakfast for the physical, cognitive, and academic development of school-going children, Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan said, "Providing breakfast with vital nutrients is necessary for the all-round development of school-going children. It is even more important during the pandemic to improve their immunity and help them grow and do better in academics."

Referring to some studies, the Governor said the lunchboxes of many school children were filled with potato chips and other unhealthy junk food. "We must ensure that the children get required nutrients, vitamins, and minerals through their food and many traditional foods do have such vital nutrients," she said.

She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing the Poshan Abhiyan to provide nutritious food to children and end malnutrition in the country. The Governor said that the National Education Policy 2020 also envisions providing free breakfast to all school children in the country. "Raj Bhavan Annam canteen is an initiative in tune with the vision of NEP 2020," she added.

The Sri Satya Sai Seva Samiti organisations have come forward to offer free breakfast at the canteen. The samiti has prepared a daily menu to offer balanced and nutritious breakfast to the children and the sanitation workers.

Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, two students of Raj Bhavan School - Akshita (Class IX) and Gautam (Class X) - thanked the Governor for providing free breakfast through the Raj Bhavan Annam canteen. "We promise to study well and bring laurels to the Raj Bhavan School," the students added.