Author: Rohini Mohan
Publication: IBNLive.com
Date: August 6, 2007
URL: http://www.ibnlive.com/news/he-gave-up-a-5star-job-to-feed-madurais-homeless/46285-3.html
Thousands of homeless people in India live
on the streets, search food in garbage, sleep hungry every night and in fact
live a life worst than stray animals. These are invisible to most of us. But
Krishnan, once a chef in a 5-star hotel, realized five-years back that he
couldn't turn a blind eye anymore.
The 32-year-old former chef gave up his well-established
profession to start an NGO that feeds the homeless people across the streets
of Madurai.
"I saw a very old man, literally eating
his own human waste out of hunger. I went to the nearby hotel and asked them
what was available. They had idli, which I bought and gave to the old man.
Believe me, I had never seen a person eating so fast, ever. As he ate the
food, his eyes were filled with tears. Those were the tears of happiness,"
said N Krishnan.
Most of the people, he provides food are mentally
challenged, he tells. "They eat their food without uttering a word,"
said Krishnan who is the Founder of Akshaya Trust, as he calls his 'kitchen'.
Krishnan drew up a fantastic menu, and created
a committed team of cooks.
"Will you eat leftovers, ration rice,
food which is not so good? If I cant eat such food, why should I give to someone
who is as much a human being as me?"
Krishnan gets in touch with local donors,
to finds those willing to donate on occasions like festivals and birthdays.
And no matter what, Krishnan's food packet finds its way.
Krishnan can be contacted at 0452-4353439,
9843319933
