BY SONAM MIRPURI
LOS ANGELES, CA - Akshaya Patra held two fund raisers in SoCal this past weekend for the cause of feeding school children in India a healthy mid-day meal so they can thrive physically and academically. On May 6 the event was headlined by renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor at an event titled “A Conversation with...
LOS ANGELES, CA - Akshaya Patra held two fund raisers in SoCal this past weekend for the cause of feeding school children in India a healthy mid-day meal so they can thrive physically and academically. On May 6 the event was headlined by renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor at an event titled “A Conversation with...
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World Renowned Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Rajiv Satyal,” an interview style chat between Kapoor and stand up comedian Satyal who needs no introduction to local audiences, at the Sanatan Dharma Temple in Norwalk.
May 7 brought an exclusive dinner opportunity hosted by Puneet Chandok and Sonia Batra which was held at their restaurant, Spice Affair, in Beverly Hills in support of Akshaya Patra and for Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Together these two nights generated over a million dollars and counting for Akshaya Patra.
On May 6 the event kicked off with an video introduction and overview of Akshaya Patra. Anil Shah, Advisory Board Member, then came on stage to give the audience a more detailed description of Akshaya Patra, after which he introduced Kapoor and Satyal. “Sanjeev Kapoor is more entertaining than the soaps,” said Shah.
Satyal came thoroughly prepared with a series of questions to ask Kapoor. So, the two started from the beginning of Kapoor’s life. “I was born in a house,” said Kapoor in response to Satyal asking where he was born. Continuing through Kapoor’s life, Satyal asked about some personal aspects like marriage and children. “I am from all over,” said Alyona Kapoor, Sanjeev’s wife who was sitting in the audience. Satyal intrigued by the lack of specifics jokingly compared the Kapoors to current White House Press Secretary. “No specifics, like Sean Spicer, born in a house and from all over,” said Satyal.
Both wittingly made jokes and entertained those in attendance. Satyal then asked Kapoor more about his background, how he became a chef, and touched on other different topics. “The one word I would use to describe myself: Chef,” said Kapoor. Extremely interested in the responses he was receiving, Satyal continued to ask more and more to keep the audience entertained. “Being Indian influences everything,” said Kapoor. Something Kapoor whole heartedly believes in is that actions speak louder than words. Bringing the conversation to the incredible cause at hand, Satyal asked about Kapoor’s connection with Akshaya Patra. “The overall process of Akshaya Patra is efficiency,” said Kapoor.
One of the more interesting points which were made was that every day is a learning experience. Kapoor believes this as well. “There are so many people better than me, there is always something new to learn,” said Kapoor.
Given the opportunity a few audience members asked Kapoor a few questions about his personal food preferences, his most requested dish, among others. Satyal then called to the stage, Vandana Tilak, Board Trustee, to introduce the third video about the organization.“This is meaningful and genuine,” said Tilak about Akshaya Patra.
Subsequently Tilak introduced Chief Marketing Officer Akshaya Patra India, Sundeep Talwar, explaining how he and his team have worked to raise money for the organization. “Our CMO and his team raised 130 crores in the last year,” said Tilak.
Talwar then addressing the audience said “Our goal is to reach 5 million children daily by 2020; be self-sustainable by 2030; and be shut in 2040.” Giving more details Talwar explained that Akshaya Patra will be self-sustainable by 2030 through their for profit Akshaya Nidhi program which utilizes the kitchens to cook food for other venues and be shut by 2040 because the hunger will have come to an end since the generation in Akshaya Patra will be better off to not send their children to government schools, the venue where Akshaya Patra serves their meals. “We need all of your support ,so let’s make our country better,” said Talwar in his closing statement. Krutika Pranav, Los Angeles Chapter Chair, addressing the gathering thanked everyone who facilitated in making the event possible and a success. “We have the resources but unfortunately some mothers do not,” said Pranav emotionally. She concluded by asking everyone to donate generously to the cause. “I hope all of you find it in your hearts to donate,” said Pranav.
Once again the star of the evening, Kapoor, came on stage to urge the audience to give generously for this worthy cause.
Another highlight of the evening was the auction. Kapoor had previously taken the time to sign 22 plates. Those plates were sold to the first 22 people who were willing to donate $150 to feed 10 children for a year. The buyers got the plate as well as a group picture with Kapoor. Then a signed personalized mug with ‘Sanjeev’ written on it was put up for auction. This mug was displayed on the table next to Kapoor during the conversation with Satyal. The mug was sold for $10,200 which will feed 680 children for a year. $40,000 was raised with much more to be collected and calculated. The May 7 event at Spice Affair was a donor dinner . This exclusive dinner was a special meal in support of Akshaya Patra and for Sanjeev Kapoor. $930,000 was raised on this night which will feed 62,000 children for a year.
May 7 brought an exclusive dinner opportunity hosted by Puneet Chandok and Sonia Batra which was held at their restaurant, Spice Affair, in Beverly Hills in support of Akshaya Patra and for Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Together these two nights generated over a million dollars and counting for Akshaya Patra.
On May 6 the event kicked off with an video introduction and overview of Akshaya Patra. Anil Shah, Advisory Board Member, then came on stage to give the audience a more detailed description of Akshaya Patra, after which he introduced Kapoor and Satyal. “Sanjeev Kapoor is more entertaining than the soaps,” said Shah.
Satyal came thoroughly prepared with a series of questions to ask Kapoor. So, the two started from the beginning of Kapoor’s life. “I was born in a house,” said Kapoor in response to Satyal asking where he was born. Continuing through Kapoor’s life, Satyal asked about some personal aspects like marriage and children. “I am from all over,” said Alyona Kapoor, Sanjeev’s wife who was sitting in the audience. Satyal intrigued by the lack of specifics jokingly compared the Kapoors to current White House Press Secretary. “No specifics, like Sean Spicer, born in a house and from all over,” said Satyal.
Both wittingly made jokes and entertained those in attendance. Satyal then asked Kapoor more about his background, how he became a chef, and touched on other different topics. “The one word I would use to describe myself: Chef,” said Kapoor. Extremely interested in the responses he was receiving, Satyal continued to ask more and more to keep the audience entertained. “Being Indian influences everything,” said Kapoor. Something Kapoor whole heartedly believes in is that actions speak louder than words. Bringing the conversation to the incredible cause at hand, Satyal asked about Kapoor’s connection with Akshaya Patra. “The overall process of Akshaya Patra is efficiency,” said Kapoor.
One of the more interesting points which were made was that every day is a learning experience. Kapoor believes this as well. “There are so many people better than me, there is always something new to learn,” said Kapoor.
Given the opportunity a few audience members asked Kapoor a few questions about his personal food preferences, his most requested dish, among others. Satyal then called to the stage, Vandana Tilak, Board Trustee, to introduce the third video about the organization.“This is meaningful and genuine,” said Tilak about Akshaya Patra.
Subsequently Tilak introduced Chief Marketing Officer Akshaya Patra India, Sundeep Talwar, explaining how he and his team have worked to raise money for the organization. “Our CMO and his team raised 130 crores in the last year,” said Tilak.
Talwar then addressing the audience said “Our goal is to reach 5 million children daily by 2020; be self-sustainable by 2030; and be shut in 2040.” Giving more details Talwar explained that Akshaya Patra will be self-sustainable by 2030 through their for profit Akshaya Nidhi program which utilizes the kitchens to cook food for other venues and be shut by 2040 because the hunger will have come to an end since the generation in Akshaya Patra will be better off to not send their children to government schools, the venue where Akshaya Patra serves their meals. “We need all of your support ,so let’s make our country better,” said Talwar in his closing statement. Krutika Pranav, Los Angeles Chapter Chair, addressing the gathering thanked everyone who facilitated in making the event possible and a success. “We have the resources but unfortunately some mothers do not,” said Pranav emotionally. She concluded by asking everyone to donate generously to the cause. “I hope all of you find it in your hearts to donate,” said Pranav.
Once again the star of the evening, Kapoor, came on stage to urge the audience to give generously for this worthy cause.
Another highlight of the evening was the auction. Kapoor had previously taken the time to sign 22 plates. Those plates were sold to the first 22 people who were willing to donate $150 to feed 10 children for a year. The buyers got the plate as well as a group picture with Kapoor. Then a signed personalized mug with ‘Sanjeev’ written on it was put up for auction. This mug was displayed on the table next to Kapoor during the conversation with Satyal. The mug was sold for $10,200 which will feed 680 children for a year. $40,000 was raised with much more to be collected and calculated. The May 7 event at Spice Affair was a donor dinner . This exclusive dinner was a special meal in support of Akshaya Patra and for Sanjeev Kapoor. $930,000 was raised on this night which will feed 62,000 children for a year.
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