Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Oct 28: The poor and the needy in the city now have a place where they can get fresh and free food. Lions Club of Manipal has come up with the novel idea and installed a 'Community Fridge' near Manipal Auto stand, near Tiger Circle on Saturday, October 27.

Lions Club with able support from Syndicate Bank, initiated this project called 'Santripti', for relieving hunger under the the motto of ‘One step towards making hunger-free society.'

PMJF Lion Dr T Shivarama Shetty, district governor 317 C, inaugurated the community fridge. He was accompanied by CMC commissioner Anand C Kalloliker and V R Hiremath.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr T Shivarama Shetty said, "I have received huge amount from the international unit. Deputy Commissioner suggested this plan. I have closely seen the severity of poverty. This is for alleviating hunger of those who sleep without food. The idea of community fridge is the need of the hour today. There are migrants, who come to our city from other districts for medical treatment. But most of them sleep without food."

Syndicate bank DGM V R Hiremath said, "The community fridge was contributed under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity."

Saritha Santhosh, former president, Lions club Manipal, said "This is our pilot project. Our mission is to provide excess food for feeding the poor, who are hungry. In the beginning we will keep 10 to 20 plates of food. It is a small step towards relieving hunger of poor people. We are all blessed because we will get food on time. But nearly 800 million people go to bed hungry every night. Host a project to fight hunger in your community. We are communicating with hotels also. We are giving priority to fresh and hygienic food. If we get more demand, we will plan to extend the activity."

Anand Chi Kallolikar, CMC commissioner said, "This is really a meaningful concept and Lions are doing it for a good cause. One should contribute something for the society. Let us give importance to sanitation to the area surrounding the fridge."

The cost of Fridge of Rs 30,000 is sponsored by Syndicate bank Manipal. The maintenance cost is Rs 3000 per month. The auto rickshaw drivers will look after the maintenance. The fridge will be kept open between 10.30 am to 12.20 pm and from 3.30 pm to 5.30 pm.

Ridma, a student of TAMPI Social Endeavour Group Food Zone, who spoke to Daijiworld said, "This is a programme for a social cause. This is a club where we can contribute something for the society in the form of social work. We will find out the needy and feed them through community fridge. Over, 20 to 25 students have joined for this noble cause."

The programme is organized in association with Syndicate Bank, TAPMI Social Endeavour Group Food Zone and Auto Rickshaw owners' and drivers' Association, Manipal.

Mythri Chandrashekhar, secretary, Rithu Chabriya, treasurer, Svapnil, Svamil, Subraya K Acharya, president of autorikshaw drivers' and owners' association and others were present.

Ln Shruthi Shenoy, president, Lions Club Manipal welcomed the gathering. Ridma rendered the vote of thanks. Ganesh Pai, founder member, Syndicate bank, Manipal and mentor compered the programme.