I refer to your news item in GS of 29th April 2017 and was sad to learn of the news item related to Akshayapatra printed. I followed up the matter immediately with the Akshayapatra office to investigate and advise your readers as I am deeply aware that there is a large number of readers regularly supporting Akshayapatra's mid day Meal programme. This was a reported incident which when investigated by the authorities summarised that the infestation did not take place during cooking or any Akshaya Patra activities. The govt gave a clean chit.
The same pulav was sent to 100s of other schools and no sickness/illness were reported and given the food is cooked at 95 degree plus - the rodent would not have survived thereby proving that this incident had origins outside of Akshaya Patra. The govt is investigating how the teacher found the rat!!
ABPL group has been the founding supporter since The Akshayapatra Foundation Uk ( "TAPF") was established. I wish to re assure your readers and donors that TAPF remains vigilant and will continue to uphold its highest standards and continue on its mission "that no child should be deprived of education because of hunger".
Harin Thaker
Tooting
