There might be nothing more pathetic than to be just waiting to see what comes first-death or food. Yet over 7000 Indians die of hunger every day . In a situation like this, what would you call Hemant Nahar who serves food to the needy at a paltry Re. 1? You might not call him so, but some people would definitely call him their God…
For four decades, a small garment shop in Kabraji Bazaar of Bijapur has been providing meals to poor and homeless people at an unimaginably low price.Hemant Nahar, the proprietor of the shop, personally serves the food every day between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
It was his father, Nathilal Nahar, who began the altruistic action of serving food to those in need in 1972 after there was a severe drought in the district.At that time, food was sold for a mere 10 paisa. The money was collected to pay the salary of the cook or to pay the flour mill. It was later increased after the 10 paisa coin was withdrawn from circulation.
Hemant says that many people donate jowar and vegetables. “Some people also provide donations, which is again used to pay the salary of the cooks. Till a few years ago, we were collecting 50 paisa, but after the 50 paisa coin was withdrawn from circulation, we increased the price to Re. 1,” he says.
Sometimes people who are unable to pay Re. 1 are given food for free.
Mr. Hemant Nahar says that feeding the poor and needy gives him spiritual satisfaction.
Persons interested in helping Mr. Nahar can call on 08352-250114.