Moved by the plight of the city’s homeless people, a group of college students has found a common cause in sharing food packets and some companionship with these marginalised residents.
Started by around 20 students of K. Ramakrishnan College of Engineering (KRCE), Samayapuram, earlier this month, the ‘Helping Hands’ group held its first meal distribution programme on May 12. As many as 300 packets of tamarind rice and pickle were given to people living rough on the streets in Tiruvanaikovil, Thillai Nagar, Uthamarkovil, Puthur, Srirangam, Goods Shed Road, Tennur and Palakkarai, besides those in Railway Junction, Central and Chathiram Bus Stands.
“I was always interested in doing something constructive for homeless people, but didn’t know how to take it further. My college mates supported me in setting up Helping Hands, and they are the reason for its success,” S. Kavin Bharathi, the final-year KRCE student of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) who first floated the idea, told The Hindu.
Helping Hands members raised funds for the first project on their own, with additional contributions from KRCE lecturers. “We spent around ₹ 5,000 to buy 30 kg of rice, engage two cooks, and organise packing materials for the food parcels,” said Kavin Bharathi. The cooking started at 8 a.m, at a well-wisher’s home and parcels were out by noon.
The group is now finalising details of its next food sharing programme on May 24. As its membership as grown in a matter of days to over 140 people, thanks to a viral video of the first event that Helping Hands shared through social media, the next project may entail some changes.
The social service was an emotionally rewarding experience, said the students. “Simply seeing the pleasure that our humble dish caused among people, was such a surprise,” said Pradeep B. “Most of the homeless people are haunted by the feeling that they don’t have anyone in the world to care for them. By interacting with them, we were able to break that mood a bit, but obviously, a lot more can be done.”
Member Rupash K felt that sharing food with the needy helped them to be more contented. “We have a tendency to keep comparing ourselves with those who are more privileged than us. Reaching out to those who don’t have anything makes you appreciate what life has given you.”
The core team of Helping Hands is looking into registering the group and seeking assistance from other like-minded institutions. The team can be contacted by dialling 88838 79933.