Every Fund Has a Story
The Akshaya Patra Fund
The story of akshaya patra is an ancient Hindu legend that speaks of a divine, inexhaustible vessel, gifted by the Sun God Surya, which ensured endless food and hospitality. The akshaya patra symbolizes abundance, generosity, and the belief that no one should go hungry.
Vidya Iyengar‘s life carries a similar theme. Her journey began in her native India and brought her to Marion, where she dedicated more than 40 years to serving the community as president of Pillar Credit Union.
These two stories now come together in a meaningful way through the Akshaya Patra Fund at Marion Community Foundation — a field of interest fund created this year by Pillar’s Board of Directors in honor of Vidya’s four decades of service and retirement. Originally named the Vidya Iyengar Honorary Fund, the Pillar Board invited Vidya to choose the fund’s name and purpose.
“For me, the name I have chosen brings back many memories,” Vidya shared. “The first person who came to mind is our dear mother, Sharada Ramanna. She loved to prepare food for family and guests, who were always welcome in our home. Our parents’ hospitality was at its best any time — all the time.”
She and her sister often joked with their mother, asking if she possessed an akshaya patra of her own because there always seemed to be delicious food to share.
In that spirit, Vidya chose to dedicate her fund to addressing food insecurity in Marion. “Food is a basic need,” she said, “and like the akshaya patra, it should never run out.” She sees a connection between the fund at Marion Community Foundation and the philosophy of the legendary vessel.
“I expect this fund and Marion Community Foundation to last forever,” she said. “Not only does the akshaya patra fit the purpose of supporting food insecurity in Marion, it gives me great pleasure to honor our parents’ generosity and lifelong habit of sharing with others.”
Vidya encourages others to contribute to the Akshaya Patra Fund at Marion Community Foundation, saying, “Anything we can do to step in and help is worth it.”
