Offering Food to the hungry is the most priceless act ever

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28-Jan-2018:


Around a fortnight ago, as I was taking a walk on the streets along with Hema [my wife], we met a girl selling story books and little toys. Neither will be of use to us, so we ignored. While we tried to move, all we heard from her was, "I'm hungry..I'm hungry.. please buy this, I'm hungry". Everyone of us is hungry at some point in time during the day, but being hungry without knowing where the next meal will come from, is a very tough situation to be in. From whatever I have seen in my life so far, I strongly feel that the pain nobody should go through, is the one induced by hunger. We asked her, "We really do not need the books, will it be OK if we buy you food?". She happily agreed.


Coimbatore is known for the numerous bakeries and tea stalls you can find. She took us to one of those nearby and listed down what she needed. A veg puff, a pack each of chips and biscuits, accounting to 37 rupees. She gleefully thanked us. Her expression made us become tearful - knowing how these things which seem trivial to us, bring so much joy to others. She ran for her life quickly afterwards. I would like to think she was rushing to feed her kids or parents or anyone else. The way she vanished also made me suspicious that we have been tricked. But Hema explained, if that was the case, the girl wouldn't have stopped with buying one of each item and would have bought more - it made sense to me.  Regardless of the fact which one is true, when someone says they are hungry, let's believe they truly are. 

Hema had a similar experience a few years back - during one of her temple visits, a little boy requested her to buy him a slate. He also took her to a shop where it will be available. She promptly followed him and allowed him to choose. To her surprise, when she was about to pay, the shopkeeper gave her the information that the slate will be returned to him shortly and the boy will take the money instead. These things do happen, people's noble hearts get taken for granted by a few. However, food can only satisfy hunger for the moment and cannot be carried forward for too long [or exchanged for something else]. Therefore, do not hesitate to offer food for the needy, if you think money can be misused. 

Annadhanam [அன்னதானம்] - the art of offering food - has been part of the Indian Culture for ages. Our history quotes various instances related to food being offered in extreme situations. I haven't done enough research on that, but I'm almost certain, such a practice is non-existent in any country other than India. There are thousands of kindhearted people across the country who spend a major portion of their lives serving food for the poor. Most of the temples usually facilitate this activity daily and there are many who totally rely on them, as a source of living.

Varaha purana says,

One who gives food, gives 

all that is worth 

giving in this world...


Some of the most inspiring stories and links have been furnished here [there are countless others]:
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A trust in Tiruchirapalli that has been offering free meals for over 26 years now
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One great soul in Hyderabad who feeds 100s everyday
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They do not believe food can ever go waste
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This noble group of people called Food bank - Coimbatore, serves food almost daily 
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The topic I chose to write about today is definitely not the newest or not something that people are not aware of. This is a quiet reminder on how effective we can be when we choose to become charitable. When we are walking out of a restaurant after a hearty meal, if someone is looking for alms, instead of turning away or offering them a few rupees, get back to the restaurant and pack a meal for them. That is certainly the best you can do to them and to yourself!

An excerpt from the Thirukkural

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