Delhi: A meal for a rupee

Delhi: In the heart of Hari Nagar, Delhi, a heartwarming initiative is making waves. A community kitchen named Shree Ram Rasoi has become a beacon of hope for many, offering meals to anyone in need for just one rupee every Thursday.

This initiative, which began as a small act of kindness during the COVID-19 pandemic, has grown into a symbol of compassion, fostering a sense of community among residents. Neeraj Bhagra, President of Shree Ram Rasoi, recalls the early days of pandemic.

“During COVID-19, we saw people struggling to get enough to eat. People were worried, and the situation was dire. We decided to start a small campaign to feed at least one person at a time,” shared Bhagra.

“Now, after two and a half years, it has grown beyond our expectations.”

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Every Thursday, hundreds of people queue up in Hari Nagar, eagerly waiting for a meal that includes roti, rice, two to three types of vegetables, and a dessert. During the summer months, they also receive cold water and raita.

Organisers said that the reason for charging one rupee is simple yet profound — it allows people to feel a sense of pride in contributing towards their meal, rather than receiving it for free.

The success of Shree Ram Rasoi is a result of collective effort and unwavering dedication. The kitchen thrives on donations and the hard work of volunteers.

Rajesh Babbar, the cashier, provided insight about its operations.

“Our team consists of 10-12 people. We run this service with a changing menu every Thursday. What started with just curry and rice now includes two vegetables, roti, rice, and sometimes desserts like kheer and halwa,” he explained.

Babbar said that the initiative is not limited to the poor. “We see people from all walks of life — rich, middle-class, pedestrians, and rickshaw drivers. It’s a place where everyone comes together,” he said.

Beneficiaries of Shree Ram Rasoi expressed their gratitude and shared their experiences, highlighting the impact of the initiative.

Anand Dev, a labourer from Bihar who has been working in Delhi, said, “I have been eating here for a year. It’s a great initiative. I come every Thursday with my coworkers. The food is delicious, and it feels good to be part of such a community.”

Rakesh Kumar, an auto driver, told Patriot, “I’ve been coming here for two years. The food is hygienic, and they manage everything very well.”

“It’s not just about the food; it’s about the dignity and respect we receive here,” he said.

Shanti Devi, a local resident, praised the food.

“I come here every week with my children. The food is good, and it is great to see that we have a place to get a decent meal without worrying about the cost. My children love the desserts, and it’s heartwarming to see them enjoy the food.”

An elderly woman volunteer beams with pride, “I am happy to be part of such an initiative. People wait for this one-rupee meal irrespective of their class, caste, or creed. It’s heartwarming to see such unity.

“We want this to happen all over India. There should be no hunger. We appeal to people to start something small in their area. Whether it’s for a day or a week, every little effort counts,” said Bhagra.

Bhagra’s vision is not just a dream but a call to action. In a country where hunger remains a significant issue, initiatives like Shree Ram Rasoi offer a glimmer of hope.

The Global Hunger Index 2023 ranked India 111th out of 125 countries, indicating a serious level of hunger. Efforts like these can make a difference, one meal at a time.

“We are trying to open a branch in Subhash Nagar, about a kilometre away. We hope to provide free food to the public there as well,” Babbar told Patriot.

Babbar also highlighted the team’s dedication. “Cooking in this heat is not easy, but our team of 10-12 people is committed. We pay the cooks who prepare food, and the rest of the team works tirelessly to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s a collective effort, and we are proud of what we’ve achieved,” he said.

The impact of Shree Ram Rasoi extends beyond providing meals. It has fostered a sense of community and unity among the residents of Hari Nagar. People come together, share meals, and connect with one another. It is a place where social barriers are broken, and humanity takes precedence.

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The initiative has also inspired others to contribute in their own ways.

“Now people also celebrate their special days by joining us. People come here on their birthdays and marriage anniversaries and donate food for one day,” Bhagra said.

This gesture not only helps the kitchen sustain its operations but also strengthen the community bond.

The broader picture of hunger in India is stark.

With a score of 28.7 on the Global Hunger Index, the country faces a serious level of hunger.

However, initiatives like Shree Ram Rasoi provide a model of how communities can come together to tackle this issue. They demonstrate that small acts of kindness, when multiplied, can have a significant impact.

Shree Ram Rasoi’s message is clear and powerful. “We are trying our best to serve the people. We want to ensure that no one goes hungry,” said Bhagra.

“We give food for one rupee, but if somebody has no rupee, we will provide them for free. You can take it once or twice; it doesn’t matter. Around 500-600 people eat food here every Thursday. Earlier, we operated on both Thursdays and Saturdays, but recently we decided to focus on just Thursdays as food was getting wasted on Saturdays,” he said.

Shree Ram Rasoi’s presence has become an integral part of the community, with even school children benefitting.

Bhagra added, “There is a school in the area, and school kids also come and get food free of charge. All the kids don’t pay; these kids eat for free.”

For the residents of Hari Nagar and beyond, Shree Ram Rasoi is indeed a beacon of hope. Bhagra said, “We are not just a kitchen; we are a community. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry.”