Gondia hospital's free meal service completes 3,000 days, feeds about 700 people daily

A service that feeds the hungry on the premises of Kunwar Tilak Singh (KTS) District General Hospital in Gondia has completed 3,000 days, a journey of about eight and a half years. It is said that there is no greater merit than giving water to the thirsty and food to the hungry, and the service is being cited as an example of that belief.

The free meal service is run by the Tapti Seva Samiti, which arranges food for helpless patients admitted to the hospital and their relatives. To mark the 3,000-day milestone, the organisation held a guidance and felicitation function.

Introducing the function, the organisation's president, Kaluram Agrawal, said that patients admitted to the hospital and their relatives are served hot, pure sattvic and nutritious food with full respect, both at noon and in the evening, every day. About 700 needy people benefit from the free meal service daily. He also said the organisation runs a special initiative for the service of differently abled people.

Prominent figures from religion, society and politics attended. Mahant Bholaram ji of Pujya Sai Teunram Ashram was the chief guest. Nagar Adhyaksha Sachin Shende also came. Savita Agrawal, wife of local MLA Vinod Agrawal, attended as his representative.

All the guests on the dais praised the selfless service of the Tapti Seva Samiti. Speakers said that in the rush of a hospital, when even one's own people lose heart, the Samiti stands as a strong shield for the family. They said that lighting the hearth twice a day for 3,000 days to serve food to hundreds of hungry people is no ordinary matter but clear proof of a divine resolve.

The guests encouraged all the Samiti's selfless workers and office-bearers. They described the service as an example from which others can learn.

It was said at the event that this Annapurna campaign, which began in Gondia, a city of faith, has today become an inspiration for the whole country.