The Good News Bringer (1)

In Mahoba, one of Bundelkhan’s most backward districts (Lucknow, India), a bank goes to the doorstep of the poorest to turn the idea of ‘right to food’ into a reality. Managed by a group of 40 youngsters and 5 elders, the ‘Roti Bank’ gives home-cooked rotis (a kind of bread, especially a flat round bread cooked on a griddle in India) and vegetables to the needy every day.

The youngsters knocked on the doors of common residents, asking them to donate two rotis to their bank so that those who are hungry may be fed. The initiative, which made humble beginnings in April has now turned into a movement which feeds at least 400 people every day.

The group, which began the its work with beggars and the destitute at the railway station now covers a major part of the city. The beneficiaries include patients and attendants outside hospitals, the poor on the roads and the railways station and slum dwellers.

To them, the boys are simply God sent. ‘I bless these boys from the core of my heart. They are God personified,’ said elderly Ram Prakash, who cannot work because of TB.

The group divided the city into eight sectors. The collection from a sector is keep at a common point from where the distributor volunteers take charge. ‘The only appeal we make to people is to provide fresh food. No stale food in entertained,’ said Haji Muddan, who heads the group.

The bank started under the aegis of Bundeli Samaj, now has many supporters. Some caterers also offer help. But the group is hesitant in spreading its wings. “We are scared of wastage. We will not increase operation till we are sure of the beneficiaries,” said Tara Patkar, who is the brain behind the Roti Bank.

Source: Hindustantimes (India)

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