Amid the daunting effects of the second COVID wave, a Lucknow man has shouldered the responsibility of assuring free food for everyone in need, at the hospitals across the city. Famously referred to as ‘Foodman’, Vishal Singh is providing free meals through the ‘Prasadam’ initiative of his organisation- Vijayshree Foundation. With the execution of this program, the attendees and caretakers of COVID patients are being given sufficient food supplies to meet their daily needs.
An initiative fuelled by personal experiences
As a part of this scheme, a large count of beneficiaries at King George Medical University, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences and Balrampur District Hospital are aided regularly. Additionally, the altruistic program has also benefitted migrant workers, deprived individuals and needy people in the past. Under this initiative, groceries, milk and other essential items are also provided besides meal packets.
Speaking to Knocksense, Vishal Singh tells,” My father was very sick. I took him to Gurugram for treatment. Due to the high costs of the process, we were left with no money, which forced us to survive without food for many days. There were a lot of people at the hospital suffering from similar issues, which motivated me to help such individuals. It was there that I decided that I would help caretakers at the hospitals by assuring food for them.”
Marking its presence at the DRDO & Haj House Hospital too!
Now, ‘Foodman’ has expanded his reach to the latest DRDO Hospital at the Awadh Shilpgram. Starting from morning tea and breakfast to lunch and dinner, there are enough provisions for everyone including the hospital staff and the patients’ attendees. Safe and hygienic practices are deployed while preparing the meals and it is served fresh for the beneficiaries. Further, the organisation will also be managing the food supplies at the Haj House COVID Hospital developed by HAL.
Aimed at serving the deprived and underprivileged people, this initiative has come a long way since its inception. In a bid to expand its scope, the association has also launched a helpline number to help the troubled in emergency situations. They can be contacted at 9935888887 for immediate support and assistance.
Knock Knock
While unprecedented challenges have been observed in Lucknow over the past few weeks, the spirited efforts and committed interventions by the city folks are what truly stand out. If you attempt to seek inspiration from the idea of social welfare, you will definitely be able to find many ways of helping people around you.
