A Special event organized by the non-profit and Consulate General of India, New York.
Our Bureau
New York, NY
The Consulate General of India in New York and World Food Movement jointly organized ‘No One Hungry’, an event to strengthen global food and nutrition security in the United States of America.
The event was themed around the idea that food is not only nourishment for the body and mind but an absolute fundamental right. Food is more than just about survival; it is also about education, health, and opportunity. Every meal served is an investment in the future of students and the nation, as they are the flagbearers of tomorrow. Investing in food and nutrition security is one of the most effective entry points for human development, which opens up opportunities for their aspirations. This forum resolved that by igniting the collective spirit of compassion and service, along with human-centric technology and progress, we can ensure that no one goes hungry.
World Food Movement (WFM) is a non-profit established in 2025 to alleviate hunger among students and communities in the country. Since then, the organization has been serving fresh, nutritious meals to community college students and food-insecure individuals. It has served over 30,000 meals at prominent locations across the United States, including New Jersey, New York, California, Virginia, Washington, DC, and Massachusetts.
WFM is being led by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, founders of The Akshaya Patra Foundation in India, which has served 5 billion cumulative meals since its inception.
‘No One Hungry’ was graced by Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Consul General of India, New York. Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of WFM, Sri Naveena Neerada Dasa, Executive Director, were also present. The event was attended by eminent business leaders, academic partners and beneficiaries from across the United States. Celebrated Michelin Star Chef, award-winning author and humanitarian Chef Vikas Khanna participated and spoke in support of the feeding mission.
At the outset, Amb. Binaya Pradhan delivered the welcome address, followed by a speech by representatives of the partner colleges. Prominent leaders from the philanthropy and food security sectors shared their thoughts and ideas. A keynote speech by Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa on WFM’s global vision sparked the audience’s interest in participating in this noble mission. A few beneficiaries shared their positive experiences with the student feeding initiative and explained the need and importance of such college feeding programs.
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa said, “I am grateful to the Consulate General of India in New York for organizing this event in support of our feeding mission. I wholeheartedly thank Amb. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan for his gracious presence this evening. I also thank all the eminent business leaders, partners and students for their active participation in this program. We believe that when students are well-nourished and well-educated, they will grow into responsible individuals contributing towards their holistic development. This is the impact that fresh, nutritious meals can make. We aspire to serve 1 million cumulative meals by 2030, and we look forward to increased community engagement, which will enhance the efficiency of our program.”
Amb. Binaya Pradhan said, “I found the concept of World Food Movement very compelling and was happy to attend its launch event in 2025. When I heard the stories of impact by the local leaders from community colleges and other stakeholders, I decided that I would love to do anything to promote such a noble cause.
The Indian tradition of Annadaan (food donation) is several millennia old, rooted in the idea that food is sacred and life-sustaining. And Srila Prabhupada rightly resolved that nobody within a ten-mile radius of his centres should go hungry.
The Akshaya Patra Foundation was founded in 2000 by Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa and Sri Chanchalapathi Dasa, with a modest number of 1500 students benefiting in 5 schools. And today, more than 2 million children in India are benefiting every day. This is a great example of a public-private partnership, systematic compassion, and sustainable social innovation. I am confident that WFM, inspired by Akshaya Patra, will create a similar impact and contribute to alleviating hunger here in the United States. I invite the Indian diaspora and the leaders here to join and support this great initiative in whichever way you can.
WFM’s mission to feed one million meals by 2030 is praiseworthy. We are truly honored that we are becoming a part of this large story which is unfolding before our eyes. My compliments, prayers and best wishes for its success.”
Mr Robert Kee, Assistant Director of Student Life program at College of Staten Island, said, “I want to thank the World Food Movement for your partnership and leadership. Your support is helping us close the critical gap in student services and move closer to a campus where no student has to choose between their education and their next meal. Together, we are not only addressing hunger. We are building an opportunity to provide dignity and a stronger future for our leaders and our community.”
Representing the voices of beneficiary students, Ms Rhoda Wilson, Student and Vice President of Student Government, College of Staten Island, said, “As a representative for students and as a student myself, I just want to say it has been amazing to have access to free hot meals that have been provided by the World Food Movement. Having food that is both deliciously filling and available at the location where I spend most of my time out of the week, while dealing with food insecurity, is such a great benefit. Rarely now do I have to worry about choosing between two necessities. Words are not enough to express my gratitude for your serious efforts to provide quality and quantity nutrition for our students.”
Sri Naveena Neerada Dasa said, “Today’s ‘No One Hungry’ event is an excellent opportunity for us to discuss improving food and nutrition security in America. I thank the Consulate General of India and Amb. Binaya Pradhan for hosting this event. I also thank all the leaders, donors, well-wishers and colleges for their participation. We invite everyone to join us in our feeding mission and contribute to building a hunger-free America.”
