Sattvic Meals Foundation

Grand Launch on March 8, 2025

Sattvic Meals Foundation

Sattvic Meals Foundation Grand Launch – A Milestone Event

The Sattvic Meals Foundation was successfully launched in Bay Area, California on March 8, 2025, bringing together leaders from education, government, business, and philanthropy to address student hunger across U.S. college campuses.

The event was graced by H.G. Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of Akshaya Patra, who shared the vision behind this initiative. Although H.G. Madhu Pandit Dasa, Co-Founder and Chairman of Akshaya Patra, could not attend, his vision of replicating Akshaya Patra’s success in the U.S., first envisioned in June 2023, has now come to fruition.

Anita Manwani, President of TiE Silicon Valley and California Sattvic Meals Foundation Board Member, set the tone with a warm welcome, while the evening was seamlessly hosted by Ranjana Sivaram, another California Sattvic Meals Foundation Board Member.

A powerful keynote address was delivered by Dr. Omar Torres, President of De Anza College, highlighting the urgent need to support students facing food insecurity.

The official launch was led by President Charles Sasaki of Ohlone College, alongside Sattvic Meals Foundation National Board Directors Arjun Bhagat and Siva Sivaram.

The foundation’s logo unveiling was done by a distinguished group of leaders, including:

Mayor of Cupertino, Liang Chao
Deputy Consul General of India in San Francisco, Rakesh Adlakha
Vice Mayor of Milpitas, Garry Barbadillo
Founder of Indiaspora, M.R. Rangaswami
Akshaya Patra Board Members Gururaj Deshpande and Sri Rajan
President of TiE Silicon Valley, Anita Manwani

The event was attended by all Akshaya Patra USA Board Members, CEOs, and CFOs of Akshaya Patra USA and India, along with several government officials, business leaders, and representatives from state and federal offices, all expressing their appreciation and support for this crucial initiative.

With over 200 guests in attendance, the evening left hearts full of inspiration, reaffirming the power of collective action in addressing student hunger.

Beyond being a celebration, the event was a testament to the selfless dedication of volunteers and supporters. Most importantly, Srila Prabhupada’s vision was honored amidst prominent leaders, laying the foundation for a mission that aims to serve millions of students in need.