For I satisfy the weary ones and refresh everyone who languishes. ~ The Bible, Verse 31: 25
Change does not come like a tsunami. It comes in drops, a trickle seeping out of the cracked breast of a rock that gradually turns into a stream and then river that transforms the barren earth into civilisation.
Aahar, an initiative by a local charitable organisation, is that drop of relief in the sea of insurmountable pain and penury.
Ardhendu Chaudhuri Charitable Trust, which was formed to pay tribute to the former MLA whom the constituents remember as the common man’s leader, has taken a humble step towards alleviating hunger by providing a day’s meal at a nominal rate of Rs 5. Chaudhuri died in a helicopter crash in 2004.
Started six months ago, the initiative has gained steam with well-wishers joining hands to steer it forward.
“Aahar is a unique experiment for proving that service to the poor can actually be unselfish. Aahar is a small step towards providing one wholesome meal to the destitutes and the uncared for. Under this scheme, some 300 hungry persons belonging to the wrong end of the economic ladder come to enjoy a filling vegetarian meal every day at virtually no cost,” says the Facebook page of the trust.
Every day, hundreds make a beeline to satiate their hunger as well-wishers contribute generously to be part of the novel deed. A visit to Jhalupara any day of the week and one can see emaciated men, women and children holding a plate of rice each, contentment written on their faces.
The trust was initially funded by Manas Chaudhuri, the managing trustee, out of his salary and other earnings as MLA of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly from 2005 – 2012.
In the last six months, 4 lakh meals have been provided by the trust. Over 30 individuals and organisations have helped Aahar sustain.
“The response has been overwhelming. Many people have donated cash, sponsored a day’s meal, provided material donations. And this whole thing is spontaneous,” said Manas, adding that the expenditure a day depends on the food provided. The food distributed is vegetarian.
Though many people doubted the sustainability of the initiative, Aahar continued to serve the poor without any glitch. There is a steady clientele too.
“The best part is when people share special moments of their lives with Aahar and the hundreds who need help. They celebrate their special ones’ birthdays, death anniversaries and other occasions. After six months, people are more confident (about the initiative)… It gives a feeling of fulfilment,” the former MLA shared. He sounded confident that the initiative would be sustainable.
Religious groups, local organisations and women’s groups, besides local residents, have come forward to help. The trust has already received donation of Rs 2 lakh.
“I am really happy that the trust is doing an excellent job. I have contributed meals and it is satisfying. The quality of food is also good. And as an individual I am looking forward to making more contributions to Aahar,” said Sanjiv Bajoria, a prominent citizen. The managing trustee of BK Bajoria School has contributed Rs 1 lakh to the cause.
After Aahar, the charitable trust is planning to extend its services. Manas said the trust may start a
de-addiction unit.
“For this we need trained and experienced people. We are thinking of inviting experts to help us but it is still in the planning stage,” he said, adding that the trust is also involved in other activities like providing buses for schoolchildren and distributing water at a subsidised rate.
~ NM