Industrial Visit Report-Akshaya Patra Foundation, Bantwala,Mangaluru.

Industrial Visit Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Department of Social Work (MSW) organized an industrial visit to the Akshaya Patra Foundation, Mangaluru, a well-known non-governmental organization that implements the Mid-Day Meal Programme across India. The visit was arranged by Prof. Joyson Prenky Cardoza, Head of the Department of MSW. The 1st year MSW students were accompanied and guided by Dr. Stutima Basistha and Prof. Ranjith Bhat, ensuring smooth coordination and meaningful learning throughout the visit.

objective of the Visit

The primary objective of the visit was to provide students with firsthand exposure to the operations of a large-scale NGO, especially one involved in food security, child nutrition, and public welfare. The visit aimed to bridge theoretical learning with practical understanding of programme implementation, organizational functioning, and community impact.

 Overview of the Organisation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a leading NGO in India committed to eliminating classroom hunger through the Mid-Day Meal Programme. It operates state-of-the-art centralized kitchens across the country and partners with government bodies, donors, and communities to serve nutritious meals to school children. The Mangaluru unit is known for its highly efficient kitchen model, strict quality standards, and well-coordinated logistics system that ensures timely delivery of freshly prepared meals to numerous schools in the region.

 Details of the Industrial Visit

a. Raw Material Procurement

Students observed how the organisation procures high-quality raw materials, including rice, lentils, vegetables, spices, and cooking essentials. Mr. Anil Kumar from the Department of Quality Assurance explained the rigorous quality checks, vendor selection, and storage procedures that ensure food safety and hygiene.

b. Cooking Process

The students witnessed the large-scale automated cooking system used to prepare meals efficiently. They were introduced to the steam-based cooking technology, safety measures, temperature controls, and hygiene protocols followed in the kitchen. The process demonstrated how the organization maintains consistency and nutritional standards for thousands of meals prepared daily.

c. Packing and Sealing

After cooking, students observed the systematic packing of meals using insulated containers. The packing section focuses on preventing contamination and preserving freshness. The sealing and labelling process was explained in detail, showcasing the organisation’s commitment to precision and care.

d. Distribution and Logistics

The final part of the visit highlighted the dispersal system, where food is loaded into specially designed vehicles. Students learned about the route planning, time management, and coordination required to deliver meals to various government and aided schools across Mangaluru. The logistics team ensures that every child receives freshly cooked food within the appropriate timeframe.

e. Guidance and Support During the Visit

Throughout the visit, Mr. Anil Kumar, Quality Assurance Officer, provided detailed explanations regarding each step of the process. His insights into quality control, safety standards, operational challenges, and management practices helped students gain a holistic understanding of how a large nonprofit kitchen functions efficiently every day.

Learning Outcomes for MSW Students

This industrial visit proved highly beneficial for the 1st year MSW students. It helped them understand the real-world functioning of a large-scale social welfare organisation and strengthened their awareness of public nutrition programmes. Students gained valuable insights into NGO management, community outreach, supply chain coordination, quality assurance, and the importance of teamwork in service delivery. The visit also enhanced their appreciation of how social work principles—such as service, social justice, and community welfare—are practically implemented in organisational settings.

 Conclusion

The industrial visit to the Akshaya Patra Foundation, Mangaluru, was an enriching educational experience. It provided the MSW students an opportunity to observe and understand the functioning of a major nonprofit organisation contributing significantly to child welfare and nutrition. The department extends its gratitude to Prof. Joyson Prenky Cardoza, Dr. Stutima Basistha, Prof. Ranjith Bhat, and Mr. Anil Kumar for making the visit insightful, informative, and well-coordinated.

Report on Guest Talk by Dr. Raghavendhra Gudagunti

A guest talk on “Learning Research: Turning Curiosity into Quality Research in Social Work” was conducted on the 12th of November,2025, at the Srinivas Hospital Gallery from 10.00 a.m. The session was delivered by Dr. Raghavendhra Gudagunti, Research Professor, Srinivas University.

The event was organized under the guidance of Prof. Joyson Prenky Cardoza, Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, along with Dr. Stutima Basistha (Programme Coordinator), Dr. Laveena D’Mello, and Prof. Ranjith Bhat. The session was attended by MSW First- and Second-Year students, who actively participated and interacted with the speaker.

Dr. Gudagunti began the session by emphasizing the importance of curiosity as the foundation of good research. He highlighted that effective research in social work begins with a genuine desire to understand and solve social issues. The talk focused on how to write a research proposal, and he systematically explained each step in the process, including:

Title: How to formulate a clear, concise, and meaningful research title.

Abstract: Writing a brief summary that captures the essence of the study.

Introduction: Stating the problem, objectives, and rationale for the research.

Literature Review: Reviewing previous studies to build a strong theoretical background.

Methodology: Choosing suitable research design, data collection methods, and sampling techniques.

Reference Style: Following proper citation and referencing formats to maintain academic integrity.

Dr. Gudagunti also shared practical tips for identifying research gaps, organizing ideas, and presenting proposals in a structured way. He encouraged students to approach research as a journey of discovery, where observation and reflection guide meaningful outcomes.

The session proved to be highly informative and engaging. Students gained a clearer understanding of the research process and the essential components of proposal writing. Many expressed that the talk helped them overcome the initial confusion and fear associated with academic research and motivated them to pursue their dissertations with greater confidence and clarity.

The Department of Social Sciences and Humanities expressed gratitude to Dr. Raghavendhra Gudagunti for his valuable insights and to the organizing faculty for facilitating this enriching academic experience.

Guest Talk-Mrs.Shailaja Narayana U

 

As part of the Induction Programme for the 1st Year MSW students, a guest talk on “First Impressions Last: Corporate Grooming and Etiquette” was conducted by Mrs. Shailaja Narayan U, Head – Media, PR & Events, Srinivas University. The session was organized under the guidance of Prof. Joyson Prenky Cardoza, Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, along with Dr. Stutima Basistha, Programme Coordinator, Dr. Laveena D’Mello, and Prof. Ranjith Bhat.

The session focused on the importance of grooming, personal presentation, and professional etiquette in shaping one’s image in the corporate and social work sectors. Mrs. Shailaja Narayan emphasized how first impressions significantly influence professional relationships and career opportunities. She shared valuable insights on grooming procedures, dressing appropriately for different professional contexts, and developing confidence in communication and body language.

The interactive nature of the session kept students highly engaged. It concluded with a group activity that included participation from both 1st and 2nd-year MSW students, fostering collaboration, peer learning, and the practical application of the concepts discussed.

The talk proved to be highly beneficial for MSW students, as it connected classroom learning with real-world expectations of professionalism. Understanding corporate grooming and etiquette will not only enhance their employability skills but also prepare them to represent themselves effectively in organizational, community, and fieldwork settings — an essential component in the holistic development of future social work professionals.

 

Basic values for best Teacher-26th September-2025.

 The Institute of Education, Srinivas University, organized a special session on the topic “Basic Values for Best Teacher” on 26th September 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The program was designed for B.Ed students to enhance their understanding of core values and professional ethics essential for becoming effective and inspiring teachers.

The session was graced by Prof. Joyson Prenky Cardoza, HoD, Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Institute of Management and Commerce, Srinivas University, as the Resource Person. Under the able guidance of Dr. Padmanabha C.H., Dean, Institute of Education, the program was conducted successfully.

Prof. Cardoza highlighted the significance of foundational values such as integrity, empathy, discipline, responsibility, and continuous learning in the teaching profession. He emphasized that teachers play a crucial role in shaping the character and future of students, and hence they must uphold strong personal and professional values.

The session was interactive and insightful, with students actively participating in discussions and reflecting on their own value systems. The Resource Person also shared practical examples and real-life experiences to illustrate how values guide teachers in decision-making, classroom management, and student engagement.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the Resource Person for his inspiring session and to the Dean for his continued support and guidance. The students expressed that the session motivated them to imbibe these values in their journey to becoming dedicated and impactful teache.