SHILLONG: Poverty can be eradicated by the action of human beings, believed Nelson Mandela, the great visionary.
Human actions and small contributions to society can make a big change and with that belief, a local NGO had started Aahar, a novel initiative to feed the poor at a negligible cost, last year.
The programme, initiated by the Ardhendu Chaudhuri Charitable Trust, completed 100 days on the first day of 2019. On the occasion, the trust members organised a function at Jhalupara taxi stand on Tuesday morning.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Matsiewdor War Nongbri, Congress MLA Mohendro Rapsang and The Shillong Times Editor Patricia Mukhim were among the guests who lauded the initiative and wished the trust members all the luck for Aahaar’s consistency. War Nongbri said Aahar deserved all support from the administration because “in essence it is nothing but pure service”.
“With diminishing earning opportunities in the state, it is not surprising to see so many poor people becoming dependent on this programme,” said Mukhim.
Managing Trustee Manas Chaudhuri clarified that the initiative was “purely philanthropic” having no vested interest.
“I shall continue with this service as long I am able and live,” he said and added that credit must go to the silent workers behind the scene who have immensely contributed to the success of Aahar.
The Facebook page of the trust, which was launched on the same day along with the Instagram page, read, “This milestone of hundredth day was inspirational. As many as 335 guests partook in the special New Year’s day meal, which was jointly sponsored by Messrs Rajat Chakraborty, Sushanta Choudhury, Pinak Gupta and Bibhuti Chakraborty.”
Earlier in the morning, some 200 blankets were distributed among the poor and the destitute. The blankets were sponsored by Om Prakash Agarwal.
Among other guests were BP Bajoria, OP Agarwal, Ramsevak Singh and JL Das.
