Akshaya Patra set to serve meals in Indonesia, Kenya

Indonesia has plans to launch a free meal programme for schoolchildren, inspired by India

- Dhirendra Kumar

The Akshaya Patra Foundation plans to take its midday meal scheme to Indonesia and Kenya, said two people aware of the development, as India seeks to use its soft power to deepen ties with developing countries. The foundation, a non-profit, is the implementing agency for POSHAN, the government's flagship social welfare scheme aimed at reducing school dropout rates by providing nutritious food. Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, is launching a free meal program for schoolchildren, inspired by India's success in the field. That comes as the Indian government, according to a top government official, is considering inviting Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto as the chief guest for the Republic Day. "The non-profit organization is also planning to start the marquee scheme in Kenya, which has been grappling with food security concerns," said the first of the two people quoted above. "The formalization process for the initiative is currently in its final stages, paving the way for implementation.," Queries emailed to the spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office and the Akshaya