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.
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