Kolkata, September 15 (Daily Kiran) : The Annamrita Foundation, backed by ISKCON and its volunteers, inaugurated its first central midday meal kitchen in Kolkata on August 1, 2026. Now, in collaboration with the West Bengal government, the foundation is set to expand its services not only in Kolkata but also to other regions of West Bengal.
Currently, meals are being served from the Kolkata kitchen to schools within the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area. Students, teachers, and parents have all praised the initiative for its quality, nutritious offerings, cleanliness, and taste.
ISKCON, founded and registered by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has over 450 branches across India, with 35 branches and approximately 8,000 congregational centers located in West Bengal. Globally, ISKCON operates more than 1,500 centers, and its food distribution program has received widespread recognition from various governments, businesses, and civil society leaders both in India and abroad.
For decades, ISKCON and its charitable initiatives have been engaged in food distribution and humanitarian services, providing around 4 million meals daily.
It is important to note that there is a long-standing legal dispute involving the ISKCON Bangalore Society, established in 1978 after the passing of ISKCON’s founder, Srila Prabhupada. Madhupandit Das and his relatives have allegedly used this society to unlawfully seize control of the ISKCON Bangalore temple administration and related programs. Therefore, it would be incorrect to consider any institution associated with the Bangalore Society or its trustees as part of the original and global ISKCON organization, popularly known as the Hare Krishna movement.
Since 2004, the Annamrita Foundation has been serving nutritious meals in government schools. To date, it has provided over 1.2 million meals across India, including in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana, and other states.
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