Roti Ghar, A Canteen In Hubli That Offers Lunch To Everyone In Re 1

Food is the basic necessity for all of us. To keep our body running and manage our daily function, we need to eat three meals a day. But many people struggle even to earn money for a single meal every day. And therefore, resort to begging for money and food to fill their stomach.

There are currently 795 million hungry people on earth. India itself is home to the largest undernourished and hungry population. At least, 195 million people go to bed hungry every day.

While government launches many schemes and campaigns, many other individuals put collective efforts to address this problem. These days when Re. 1 cannot even buy us candy, a canteen in Hubballi, Karnataka provides a meal to people.

Mahaveer Youth Federation established Roti Ghar in the heart of the city in Kanchgar Galli, Hubballi, Karnataka with a noble aim to eradicate hunger from society.

The Logical Indian interviewed Suresh Chhajed, the President of Mahaveer Youth Foundation about the canteen and how it helps to feed the hungry. Here are some excerpts.

How did this journey start?

We started this with an aim to help poor people seven years ago. Our Guruji asked us to distribute food so that nobody goes hungry. Since then Mahaveer Youth Federation has been offering food for

Re 1.

What is included in the meal and how many days does it operate?

The food is comprised of two chapatis, rice, vegetable curry. We also serve sweets once in a week. The canteen is open from 12:30 pm to 2 pm every day, except on Wednesdays.

What is the motive of charging Re 1? How does the team manage with this meagre amount?

The primary motive for charging Re 1 is not to let people think that they are begging and eating food for free. This is for their self-respect so that they feel they are contributing somewhere. We are a team of thirty people, and we arrange for funds from other sources.

Sometimes, people who like to celebrate their birthdays or any event send us the money, and we prepare food for the people. It’s been seven years, and by God’s grace, we have been able to manage so far.

How many people do you serve every day and how many staff members do you have?

Every day we serve around 200 people. So far, we have distributed food to 5,00,000 people. No religion matters here. They come and sit together and eat.

There are three members present every day. Two of them are ladies who cook. One of us from the team of thirty goes and keeps a strict check on the quality of food and cleanliness.

Who takes care of the premises in which the canteen is built?

We are lucky that there are people who support us in this initiative. The area belongs to a neighbour, and he has given us this house to cook and distribute food. They don’t charge any rent for it, and also they pay for electricity and gas connection.

The Logical Indian salutes the Mahaveer Youth Federation for their noble cause and hopes that more people are served through these efforts. Anybody who wishes to contribute in this journey may contact Vikram on +919945500422