25th October 2016
The modern day’s frenetic lifestyle leaves little time for introspection and contemplation. As an avid newspaper reader, I came across an article about a man, a small-time private firm employee but with a big heart, who feeds the poor construction workers excess waste food, which he collects from marriage halls and hotels. I was really affected deeply by his sense of commitment to help others when he himself had to struggle with his job in maintaining his own family.
The good Samaritan’s name is Yuvaraj who works in Chamarajpet. He and his friends have built a network of connection
s with various hotels and marriage halls to inform him regarding excess food. He and his friends collect the surplus food and distribute it among migrant workers who work in various construction sites. He has been doing this for more than 2 years and he has built such a rapport through his connections that, he is called automatically whenever there is food going to waste. Not only are the poor happy but, even the customers who organize the celebrations are happy that besides the function, the surplus food feeds a few poor families. What could be more satisfying than that?
If a few more people took similar initiatives like this, it will be game-changing.
Coincidentally thee is another example of selfless service..Mr Venkatraman Iyer who worked in the Middle East had settled down in
Bangalore. He was moved when he met an ordinary worker who could barely support himself; saw to it that he fed 2 elderly people before he ate, as a mark of respect for his parents. Mr. Iyer accidentally happened to meet a friend who informed him about a lot of food going waste in an office nearby. He thought it would be ideal to put his thoughts into practice. Even though he faced many hurdles, he finally managed to convince a few corporate houses to donate on a regular basis all surplus food which, he then distributes to slum dwellers near Koramangala. He now collects food only from offices located near Outer Ring road as otherwise food gets spoiled travelling long distances.
When we think of all the negative aspects of life, it is so heartening to read about people like this, who have made helping others, a mission in their life.
Mr. Iyer and his friends continue these efforts through their crowd-funding initiative FuelADream.