Somnath Kashyap began ‘Dihadi Kitchen’ in Lucknow to offer common, hygienic meals to labourers. His initiative, supported by way of crowdfunding and group contributions, feeds about 3,000 individuals weekly.
Each afternoon, a whole bunch of daily-wage labourers flock to the bustling Nahariya circle of Lucknow, sparing a while for lunch in an exhausting work day. There, they meet Somnath Kashyap eagerly awaiting handy over their share of puri sabzi (bread with curry).
Throughout his faculty days, a 29-year-old Somnath launched into a transformative journey pushed by a easy but highly effective realisation — the distressing sight of meals wastage versus the obtrusive want for it amongst the underprivileged labourers in his metropolis.
“My buddy, who was a caterer, typically advised me in regards to the extra meals they needed to throw away after weddings and occasions. One evening, he referred to as me to come back and acquire the leftover meals,” he recollects.
“There have been many large containers. I took three of my associates and in some way managed to maintain these massive pots on our scooters and went to distribute the meals. It was a little bit difficult on the primary day as we had an awesome variety of individuals, but it surely was so satisfying to see them relish that meals,” he provides.
Fueled by a way of goal, Somnath, a content material author by career, began gathering leftover meals often to distribute amongst labourers. What started with makeshift preparations on scooters reworked right into a devoted effort as extra caterers joined to help his trigger.
By 2017, Somnath had established a extra formal setup referred to as ‘Dihadi Kitchen’, involving a small unit with employed cooks. He expanded the operations to serve extra than simply leftover meals however freshly ready meals specializing in hygiene and cleanliness.
This initiative swiftly grew right into a structured providing, turning right into a community-supported endeavour that at this time feeds about 3,000 labourers each week with meals like puri sabji or nutritious lentils with rice.
How one can search assist by way of crowdfunding
Somnath’s mission is supported considerably by way of social media, which permits him to attach with and encourage a broader viewers. The mannequin he adopted demonstrates his perception within the collective energy of the group.
Day by day, he incurs prices of roughly between Rs 6,000 and Rs 7,500 to arrange meals. This involves round Rs 15 per day per labourer. He manages these bills by way of crowdfunding and direct contributions of provides like dry rations.
Vishal Gupta, who has been cooking meals for Dihadi Kitchen for the previous 4 years, tells The Higher India, “I put together 400 to 500 meals packets virtually day-after-day. Every packet comprises two to 4 puris and curry. We cook dinner completely different sorts of curries relying on the order. It takes us about 14 to 16 kg of flour day by day, equally 8 to 9 kg of potatoes and pumpkin every. Generally cooking 5 kg of chola (chickpea) can be adequate.”
By indirectly interesting for monetary help however sharing the outcomes and successes by way of social media, he fosters a extra natural and sustainable movement of help. He reinforces the assumption that everybody has the potential to catalyse important change.
Based mostly on his expertise, Somnath shares 5 suggestions for anybody trying to embark on a social trigger by way of crowdfunding:
1. Take a look at your self
Earlier than setting out on any social work, Somnath suggests testing oneself. He advises towards looking for fast recognition through social media on the early phases, suggesting as an alternative a deal with groundwork and actual affect.
“Don’t inform anybody about your work for the primary six months. It’s simpler to submit your work on day one to get appreciation, but it surely takes endurance and dedication to maintain the work for the long run. Work silently first. This could increase your confidence additionally,” he says.
2. Develop belief inside the group
Somnath stresses the significance of constructing belief and demonstrating constant dedication over time. “I’ve seen many social staff who make two to a few movies to get consideration. However this doesn’t final for lengthy. Solely when you’ve got good intent, you may maintain on this subject,” he says.
“You can begin any social work with simply Rs 500, however first, it’s good to develop the belief of the group. Belief will not be in-built a day or a month, it takes years. It’s important to show to your self that you’re a reliable social employee. It will afterward appeal to funders,” he provides.
3. Create on-line presence
“Creating devoted pages additionally helps promote work. Affiliate your self with native WhatsApp teams to extend attain and appeal to increasingly funders,” he provides.
4. Guarantee transparency
Somnath advises social staff to register their non-profit organisations with state or central governments to make sure transparency and construct confidence amongst funders. “It’s also possible to open a devoted checking account to get the monetary help instantly and guarantee transparency,” he provides.
5. Collaborate with influencers
It took Somnath three years to get monetary help from funders. He advises looking for assist from influencers and YouTube bloggers by collaborating with them to unfold the phrase in regards to the work, thus attracting monetary help from others.
Moreover, Somnath retains a backup of dry ration for 15 to twenty days to make sure common meals for labourers. “Now we have created an inventory of sponsors who donate to us each month. Nonetheless, generally I want to take a position from my pocket when funders fail to maintain their guarantees. However this occurs solely a few times a month,” he shares.
Somnath’s story isn’t only a testomony to the distinction one particular person could make but additionally a name to motion for others to step ahead and contribute to the journey of social change. This narrative is not only about feeding the hungry however about empowering communities to help one another.
“There was a time when my household didn’t manage to pay for to afford my faculty charges and there have been individuals who funded my schooling. I attempt to do the identical by way of group help,” he says.
“I used to be nobody, however at this time, no matter I’m is due to the blessings that I’ve been getting by feeding these hungry individuals. These are my true earnings of life,” he remarks.
Somnath goals to help labourers by offering day by day meals twice a day. With a donation of simply Rs 30, you may feed one labourer for a day.
Account particulars:
Financial institution Title: State Financial institution of India
Financial institution Handle: Alambagh, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 226005
A/C Title: Somnath Kashyap
A/C No: 39877253864
IFSC Code: SBIN0006056
UPI ID: somnathkashyap2223@okaxis
Edited by Pranita Bhat
