Anna Seva

The Vision
 
There are various eminent manifestations (vibhutis) of the Lord in the universe and the digestive fire in all beings is one of them. This is what the Lord says in the Bhagavadgita, I am residing in the bodies of all beings as the digestive fire, Vaishvanara (Chapter 15.14). As a gesture of worshipping the Lord in this form, the Arsha Vidya Kendra Trust, Bangalore under the inspiring guidance of Pujya Swami Dayananda Saraswati has been running a meal program called Vaishvanara Anna Seva Yojana since Jan 2003. This program is a part of the Aim for Seva.
 
The Programs
 
The meal programs are run at three venues. It is supervised by the volunteers of the Trust under the guidance of Swami Sadatmananda, the resident acharya of Arsha Vidya Kendra, Bangalore.
 
1) RT Nagar program
 
About 100 under-privileged children living in and around the Kendra premises at Kavalbyrasandra are served a nutritious midday lunch on every Sunday.  The meal consists of rice, grams, vegetable, curd and some sweet. The program is being conducted at the premise of the Vivekananda Kendra, Sultanpalya, and Bangalore. The food is cooked and served on their premises. A Personality development programme precedes the Anna Seva Programme.  Also yoga and bhajans are conducted.

 

2) Sastri Deaf and Dumb School program -
 
This program was started in 2004.  At present mid-day meal is being served to about 70 children twice a week. 
 
 
Coordinators
 
Project Coordinator Dr Vasanthakumari
   
Advisor Mr Pradeep Simha
   
Venue Coordinators Mr Raghuraj Gujjar and Mr Dilip Somaiya at Vivekananda Kendra along with Mr Anjan, Mr Purushottam and other members of Vivekananda Kendra
   
Project At A Glance
 
  • Project started - Jan 2003.
  • Total number of children served every week- 100 children.
  • Present monthly cost of the project - Rs 10,000.
  • Present annual cost of the project Rs 120,000.
  • Number of meals served to-date about 93,000.
  • Total expenditure incurred on the project till May 2009 Rs 644,000.
 
Achievements
 
  1. Donors and volunteers get the opportunity to serve children with a proper attitude.
  2. The misconception in some part of the society that Hindu religious organizations do not care for the poor is offset.
  3. The children feel cared for.
  4. Cultural activities conducted has helped the children develop their personality.
  5. By being involved in serving the meals, the children develop the attitude of service and leadership.
  6. The children get a well-balanced nutritious meal.
  7. Giving stationery and other things of utility value to the children.
 
Participation
 
There are various ways donors participate in the program:
 
  1. Sponsor a Sunday meal.
  2. A lumpsum donation to the Anna Seva program.
  3. Celebrate a special occasion by feeding the children.
  4. Offer rice of good quality as one time offering or on regular basis.
  5. Offer their services at the venue.
 

 

  
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