BDS5 student Ajay Mehta raises £2750 for charity
Ajay Mehta was inspired to get involved with the Akshaya Patra Foundation after attending a networking evening in September 2015. The words of the Chief Executive at that event were thought provoking, as he explained that it was our ‘social responsibility’ to help others.
Ajay felt compelled to become one of the first UK student ambassadors for the charity. Akshaya Patra is a charity that aims to fight hunger and enable children to access education: tackling two major global issues.The charity works across ten states in India in collaboration with the Indian Government, and is the largest non-profit school meal provider in the world. Just £10 can provide a child in India with a hot and nourishing school lunch every day for an entire year through Akshaya Patra’s ‘Food For Education’ Programme.
Ajay organised and hosted three talks across the academic year to raise funds for the charity..
The first evening seminar was on the topic of back pain and was held in November 2015, by Mr Robert Shanks. The next event took place in January 2016 and was titled ‘The Business of Dentistry’, and comprised of four speakers: winner of ‘The Apprentice’ and Lord Sugar’s business partner – Leah Totton, a dental practice builder - Simon Tucker, a young entrepreneur from the last series of ‘The Apprentice’ – Jenny Garbis, and a successful practice owner - Dr Nav Ropra.
The most recent seminar was held in February 2016, discussing the topic of oral hygiene advice for patients. This was given by Claire McCarthy, a dental hygienist and tutor at King’s, and by a Colgate representative, who kindly provided each delegate with a free electric toothbrush. All the speakers were extremely generous in giving their time and support for the lectures.
The three talks raised £1,500 and additional donations brought the total to a sizeable £2,750. This funds will be used to provide lunches to a whole school of 287 in Gujarat, India every day for a year. Colgate also provided school with toothbrushes and toothpaste and valuable OHI advice.
If you would like to get involved as a student, volunteer, supporter or even speaker for future talks then please email Ajay on ajay.mehta@kcl.ac.uk.
For more information about The Akshaya Patra Foundation, visit www.foodforeducation.org.uk