Divya Sathyaraj, popular nutritionist and daughter of ace actor Sathyaraj was in the news recently for curious reasons when a section of the media had reported she would be making her onscreen acting debut alongside her father Sathyaraj in a new film to be directed by Kallapadam fame. This may have been ‘fake news’.
The lady is in the news now for being chosen as the Goodwill Ambassador for ‘The Akshaya Patra Foundation’, a non-profit organisation, which strives to address issues like hunger and malnutrition in the country along with government of India. Divya tells DC as to how Akshaya Patra approached her and how she feels elated being part of a cause.
“Since I am not on social media, the team of Akshaya Patra got in touch with me through mail. When they asked me if I could be their goodwill brand ambassador I was extremely happy as I completely resonate with their goals and motive. Leaders like Barrack Obama have appreciated Akshaya Patra’s incredible role in ending classroom hunger. I am truly honoured and privileged to be a part of the organisation,” is how she begins the conversation.
So what’s your role as a Goodwill Ambassador? “I will be advising them on how they can improve the nutritive value of their meals. They have recently introduced the millet programme. I will be working with the team to make sure their meals are nourished with the right amount of vitamins and minerals and will also advise them on new foods that can be introduced as part of the mid day meal programme to make it more healthy. I will also be visiting their state-of-the art kitchens.”
“There is no excuse for children to go hungry in any country. Hunger is not an issue of charity but an issue of justice and no child should be unaware of where their next meal is coming from”, Divya says. “We have a moral obligation to fight against hunger and malnutrition. It is sad that a rich man’s pet is more nourished than a poor man’s child. If you can’t feed a hundred people then just feed one,” she remarks.
“Divya’s participation is an expression of her interest to serve children. It has always been our attempt to encourage young and skilled individuals to support our cause with their talents. With her on board, it will serve the twin objectives of spreading awareness about nutrition and enhancing the nutritional value of our mid-day meal,” says Shridhar Venkat, CEO of Akshaya Patra.
