May 13, 2025, Bengaluru — In a momentous event, Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust collaborated with District 317F unit of the Lions Club International to inaugurate a specially designed ‘Relieving Hunger’ vehicle and officially accepted a donation of commercial kitchen equipment to aid the Trust’s large-scale food programs. The vehicle will increase the reach of the Annapoorna nutrition program, making it possible for freshly cooked meals to be distributed to remote communities. The ceremony, conducted at the Annapoorna Trust Headquarters, was a milestone in their joint endeavor to relieve hunger through community nutrition programs.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries from Lions Clubs International and the Sri Sathya Sai Global Humanitarian Mission, including Chief Guest PID Lion Mathangopal, PID Vamsidhar Babu, PID V. V. Krishna Reddy, DG C. M. Narayanaswamy, as well as members and trustees of the Annapoorna Trust.
The day began with addresses by dignitaries and ‘Gift of Life’ sessions at Ataee Shaw Hall. Dr. Raghupathi A. R., Medical Education Director of the Sri Madhusudan Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, greeted the group. He underscored the compatibility between the humanitarian work of the Lions Clubs and the Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission, particularly in the fields of community health and service outreach. He also recognised the Lions’ long-time support, pointing out that they were one of the first to contribute equipment to the Ophthalmology Department of the institute.
A riveting audiovisual presentation highlighted the effect of Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission’s threefold pillars: education, healthcare, and nutrition.
In their addresses, PID Mathangopal and PID Vamsidhar Babu reflected on the Lions Club’s legacy of service — from organising eye camps in the 1950s to addressing modern-day challenges such as hunger and healthcare. “This collaboration is both meaningful and impactful. We are proud to continue our shared journey of service,” noted PID Vamsidhar Babu.
Three distinguished Lions members were honoured during the ceremony for their exemplary contributions to society.
A guided walkthrough of the Annapoorna Central Kitchen followed, where guests observed the large-scale, modern cooking facilities. During the tour, kitchen equipment donated by Lions District 317F was officially handed over. The donation included a range of commercial appliances designed for efficient, high-volume meal preparation.
It included stainless steel dosa range, atta kneading machine (25 kg capacity), automatic quick steam boiler, cook on units, fully stainless-steel tilting wet grinder (20 L capacity), vada dropping machine (720 vadas/hour), boiler and vessel erection accessories. Some of the stainless-steel single jacket steam vessels (25 kg raw rice capacity), SS vessel stand, manual steam boiler-operated idly box (600 kuzhi capacity), extra trolley, aluminum idly plates, stainless steel work tables etc.
The evening concluded with high tea and thoughtful fellowship, reinforcing the power of teamwork against hunger. Renewed in dedication, the Sri Sathya Sai Annapoorna Trust and Lions Clubs International are on a mission to serve communities, one meal at a time.