The Akshaya Patra Foundation, in partnership with Cargill Business Services (CBS) India, achieved a remarkable milestone by setting a new record in the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records. The event, titled “Clean Slate Carnival,” involved the revitalization of over 1,000 blackboards across 99 government and government-aided schools in Bengaluru. This large-scale, volunteer-driven initiative aimed to enhance educational infrastructure and create a conducive learning environment for more than 30,000 students in the region.
The “Clean Slate Carnival” saw the mobilization of over 1,000 CBS India employees who dedicated their time and effort to refurbish blackboards, thereby improving the quality of education in these schools. The event was graced by notable leaders, including Aparna Rao, CBS India Center Lead; Matthew Wood, Senior Director of Sustainability Digital, Data, & Analytics; and Shridhar Venkat, Chief Executive Officer of The Akshaya Patra Foundation. Their presence underscored the significance of corporate-social partnerships in driving community-centric initiatives.
Aparna Rao expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “We at CBS India are thrilled to conduct this initiative, ‘Clean Slate Carnival,’ in collaboration with Akshaya Patra. This is a testament to our commitment to enhancing the educational environment for over 30,000 students in Bangalore.” She emphasized the importance of providing quality academic resources to every child and acknowledged the dedication of the volunteers who made this vision a reality.
Shridhar Venkat highlighted the broader impact of the event, noting that it was more than just a record-setting endeavor. He remarked, “This event is more than just an attempt to set a record; it is a demonstration of the community’s commitment to improve educational infrastructure and create a brighter future for children across India.” He also emphasized the power of collaboration between non-profit organizations and corporate partners in driving social change.
The successful completion of the “Clean Slate Carnival” not only set new records but also showcased the potential of collective action in transforming educational spaces. By refurbishing essential learning tools, this initiative has significantly contributed to better educational outcomes and serves as a model for future community-driven projects.
