Akshaya Patra meals are an integral part of Ashwini and her classmates’ lives and she stresses their importance – “These mid-day meals are important because not everyone brings a tiffin from home, especially children whose parents leave early for work and don’t have the time to prepare food. Even those who bring a tiffin eat this food.” Her personal favourite amongst the Akshaya Patra dishes is Khichdi, while many of her friends enjoy Roti and Daal Rice.