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The impact of the volunteers’ work was felt almost immediately—first within the school walls, and soon after in the homes of the children.
Little by little, parents and villagers began to awaken to the spirit of what was happening. They joined in, helping prepare food, milk, and other essentials. It is worth mentioning that in India, breakfast is not a light affair; pots are set on the fire as though one were cooking a full midday meal. What at first seemed strange—almost suspicious—to some, was eventually welcomed, and its warmth began to spread through the village like a quiet transformation.
Something equally remarkable unfolded among the teachers. Encouraged by the volunteers, they began serving the children with their own hands. It was a simple act, yet far more powerful than anyone could have predicted. In a rather subtle way, it softened the space between the teacher and the students. It strengthened their bond and sweetened it.
Due to the fact that the programme’s approach is not only disciplined and effective, but deeply human, it was only natural that other needs of the village would soon reveal themselves. And the response was immediate.
The team, in collaboration with the medical teams of the Organisation, conducted medical examinations with mobile units, addressing issues in the crucial area of human health, on the very doorstep of the people, with all the services totally free of charge.
At the same time, they started admitting older children to the Organisation’s campuses for further studies, not merely free of charge, but fully covering all the children’s expenses — their food, books, clothing, hygiene items, educational excursions, and even their pocket money! It should be noted here that in India, education fees are charged even in public schools, even in the primary schools, and that is often the reason that the schooling is stopped for many children, whose families cannot afford to pay the fees.
Projects of sanitation and hygiene followed, planting the seeds of a new culture of living.
What became clear was this: the programme was never driven by the mentality of “let's go and feed the poor things”. It was not charity offered from somebody of a higher status to a lower human, but a partnership built alongside the people. With a holistic view of life, they responded to whatever arose, working hand in hand with the villagers.
And slowly, the village improved—not only in appearance, but in spirit. The residents began to take care of their place with responsibility, as if it were their own home.
Great emphasis was also placed on involving the children themselves in acts of service toward their community, so that giving became part of their education.
At the same time, educational workshops on human values were held—a system where character-building and the spirit of service became the axis around which everything else revolved, alongside academic progress, which should also serve the same purpose.
Once the first village found its rhythm, a second followed, and then a third, a fourth and many more. Soon, the programme began spreading like a living organism. Within only a few months of its official launch, it had already opened 90 centres, providing breakfast to 10,000 students. Gradually, supported by an extraordinary network of volunteers—parents, teachers, collaborators, benefactors, and the State—it grew into what it is today: nourishing 10 million children every single day; millions of families feel much better.
Yet, the scale of the movement was never allowed to become an alibi for negligence. It was evident that the programme’s ethos demanded one thing above all: that the food offered to children should never be of lesser quality than what any civilised human being would consider worthy. Continuous quality checks, careful market research, and even the effort to ensure meals arrived warm were responsibilities taken seriously—often overseen by the programme’s leaders themselves. At the same time, they strengthened the local economy: supporting farmers, producers, and small businesses. Their work did not merely provide food. It created momentum. It brought life.
To be continued...
Useful links:
annapoorna.org.in
Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission
One World One Family World Cultural Festival 2025
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