Mysuru: For many young women in Mysuru, a warm meal during college hours promises steady change. Government Women’s First Grade College in Vijayanagar has begun serving hot midday meals to students, an effort college officials view as central to student welfare.
Around 640 students receive the meals. Many travel daily from villages and semi urban areas. Mornings often begin early, with limited time or resources for breakfast. Academic schedules then stretch into the afternoon, when hunger interferes with focus, attendance, and stamina.
The daily meal seeks to remove hunger from the academic equation. Administrators state education loses meaning when students study on empty stomachs. For first generation learners and students from low income households, a guaranteed lunch offers reassurance and dignity. It allows attention to remain on lectures, assignments, and examinations.
The college offers undergraduate programmes in arts, science, commerce, business administration, and computer applications. A large share of students come from families reliant on agriculture, daily wage labour, or informal employment. Financial uncertainty shapes daily choices, including spending on transport, books, and food. Support at this level influences classroom engagement and continuity.
The midday meal programme began through efforts of the College Development Committee chairman and Chamundeshwari MLA G T Deve Gowda. The initiative operates with Akshaya Patra Pratishthan and support from ISKCON. The partnership ensures regular supply of hygienic and nutritious meals through an established distribution system.
Students report relief and faculty anticipate better engagement and continuity campus.
