Hyderabad: What was started by an central police forces officer as a small initiative to supply milk to two schools in 2018 is today serving over 3,000 students in over a dozen schools in the city. The initiative, the brainchild of a central police officer, is now handled by his wife, Latha Maraveni, and supplies a glass of ‘Ragi Jaava‘ drink to children for free.
“When we started this initiative, we were only reaching out to about a hundred children a day. Today, seeing the smiles on thousands of faces gives me immense satisfaction,” said Maraveni, who took over the operations after her husband was posted in north India.
“The recipe was developed to ensure maximum health benefits forthe growing children. The state govt also supports this initiative of ours,” she said.
The central police officer, who wished to remain anonymous, explained how the idea originated: “In my line of duty, I noticed many children coming to school on empty stomachs. What started as a simple milk distribution programme evolved into something more sustainable and nutritious.”
Earlier, the program included serving milk to students, but after realising that some students are allergic to milk products due to lactose intolerance, a switch was made to ragi, which was palatable to more students.
The impact of the initiative is visible in schools across Hyderabad. “Since we started serving Raagi Jaava, attendance has improved significantly. Children are more attentive in class, and parents are happy about their kids getting a nutritious drink,” said a govt school teacher in Alwal.
The program has garnered support from local authorities and community members. The preparation process involves local anganwadi workers who make the drink fresh every morning in school kitchens. “The best part is the cost-effectiveness,” said Maraveni, adding, “At just 50 paise per student for a 25-day supply, we’re able to provide nutrition without burdening anyone financially.”
“When we started this initiative, we were only reaching out to about a hundred children a day. Today, seeing the smiles on thousands of faces gives me immense satisfaction,” said Maraveni, who took over the operations after her husband was posted in north India.
“The recipe was developed to ensure maximum health benefits forthe growing children. The state govt also supports this initiative of ours,” she said.
The central police officer, who wished to remain anonymous, explained how the idea originated: “In my line of duty, I noticed many children coming to school on empty stomachs. What started as a simple milk distribution programme evolved into something more sustainable and nutritious.”
Earlier, the program included serving milk to students, but after realising that some students are allergic to milk products due to lactose intolerance, a switch was made to ragi, which was palatable to more students.
The impact of the initiative is visible in schools across Hyderabad. “Since we started serving Raagi Jaava, attendance has improved significantly. Children are more attentive in class, and parents are happy about their kids getting a nutritious drink,” said a govt school teacher in Alwal.
The program has garnered support from local authorities and community members. The preparation process involves local anganwadi workers who make the drink fresh every morning in school kitchens. “The best part is the cost-effectiveness,” said Maraveni, adding, “At just 50 paise per student for a 25-day supply, we’re able to provide nutrition without burdening anyone financially.”
