The Khadipada Government Primary School in Puri District of Odisha, was about to close for the day when we got the opportunity to meet the Headmistress, Deepti  Bala Sen. She welcomed us to her office with an assuring nod and a light smile. Her composed yet firm demeanour is a reflection of her 22 years in the teaching profession, of which, the past 15 years have been in this school. Her long inning in this noble profession of nurturing young minds has embedded an enduring nature with an aura of self-control in her constitution.

At a young age she was interested in teaching students and young children. Her fondness for children and the school was palpable in her tone. She said, "Since it's a primary school, it has classes only from Standard I to V with a total strength of about 120 children."

This school is a beneficiary of the mid-day meal programme implemented by The Akshaya Patra Foundation.  When inquired about the food for education, she emphasised on the necessity of the meal programme. She said, "Since the school became a beneficiary, the meals are of excellent quality. Now the quality and safety is meticulously maintained. The food is fresh, safe and healthy," she added.

The impact can be observed when more school drop-outs are attracted to restart their education as well as receive good and nutritious food. Families with economically challenged backgrounds started sending their young ones to school because of the food.

Deepti concluded by saying, "Besides the regular curriculum, students are also encouraged to take part in extra-curricular activities like sports, arts and spiritual training like Yoga to cite an example."

When we left the institution we could almost imagine the plaudits and admirations from generations of young people who had walked out from that gate well-educated and enlightened.