A Tough Policeman in the Making, Who Also Sells Delicate Roses!

A police inspector ensures law and order is observed, maintains security, ascertains the welfare of society and deters criminal activities. Janardhan C, a 10-year-old-boy studying in Std V at Government Higher Primary School, Tarabanahalli, is a beneficiary of Akshaya Patra, an NGO in Bangalore which provides free mid-day meals to school children.  He aspires to safeguard the security of citizens and nab criminals and wants to become a police officer. “I will protect my nation against antisocial elements and nab criminals who are a threat to the common man,” says the determined young man. 

Hailing from Ballari, Janardhan’s family consists of his father Chandrappa and his mother Bhagyamma, along with 11-year-old Karthik, who studies in a different government school, in Std VI. The parents are labourers who work at construction sites and the family lives in a small house that resembles a shanty, without basic amenities like water. To support his family financially, Janardhan spends his free time cutting roses and selling them. His favourite hobby, he says, is reading. Recently he read a book on National Symbols.  He is very inquisitive and wants to understand about India and its uniqueness. He adds, “I like to read about everything that is Indian. I am proud of my nation.” A bright student, Janardhan’s teachers are all praise for him. His Science teacher, Latha Miss, says, “Janardhan is very intelligent and he learns everything in the class and clarifies his doubts, then and there.”

Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal in Karnataka protects Janardhan and his brother, Karthik, from classroom hunger.  Their parents are happy to send their children to school, since they can learn as well as eat a scrumptious meal. Janardhan’s favourite dish is the ‘pulao’, which is served on Wednesdays. He explains, “I like the variety in the food provided by Akshaya Patra. I like all the meals but my favourite is pulao. There are a lot of vegetables, which give me the needed nutrients and vitamins to learn and grow.” Meanwhile, his brother Karthik, whose is also an Akshaya Patra beneficiary, likes Bisibele Baath the most.  Both of them also love the sweets served on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Akshaya Patra’s meals give marginalised children like Janardhan the courage to dream. Its kitchens, pan-India, ignites stories of hope at the break of dawn, preparing a wholesome school lunch for children of government schools every day!

Read his full story at Stories of Hope.