Tripth Paatr Army
Pandit Vishal Sharma and Sri Arun Kumar have always had a special relationship with food, appreciating both its cultural significance and its ability to bring people together. One incident at a wedding, however, changed my perspective on food waste and led to the creation of Tripth Paatr Army, a dedicated food donation team.
It all began at a close friend’s South Indian wedding. In South Indian weddings, there’s a tradition: those who sit in the first and last batches with the bride and groom receive the servers’ full attention, ensuring a perfectly enjoyable meal. I chose to sit in the last batch with my friend, the groom, and indeed, the food was a delight, served with care and precision.
As the celebrations wound down, I noticed the chef looking distressed. He approached us and said, “There is too much food left over.” What followed shocked me: unable to find a better solution, the chef spilled sambar and threw rice into the waste bins. It hurt me deeply to see such good food discarded so carelessly.
As I left the venue, my heart heavy, I saw a hungry child rummaging through garbage for scraps of food. The stark contrast between the abundance at the wedding and the hunger on the streets hit me hard. That night, I resolved to do something about this disparity.
I soon met Arun Sir and Sharat Ji of Just Dilli Street, a food donation team, at another event. Sharat Ji was known for his dedication to feeding the hungry. Together, we collected surplus food and distributed it to those in need. However, after a few years, the team disbanded due to various reasons.
The spirit of our mission, however, lived on. Inspired and determined, Arun Sir, Sharat Ji, and I decided to form our own team. Thus, Tripth Paatr Army was born. Our name symbolizes the ‘satisfied vessel’, reflecting our goal to ensure no one goes hungry.
Tripth Paatr Army began with modest food drives. We collected excess food from weddings, parties, and restaurants, distributing it to the hungry across the city. Over time, our team grew, and so did our impact. Till now, we have conducted over 1,000 food drives and served more than 5,000 hungry individuals, with many more to come.
Shiv Shakti Shivalaya Religious and Charitable Trust was already a registered trust, so Tripth Paatr Army joined as the charity wing of that trust. Smt Bhavna Ji, Smt Palak Ji, and Smt Usha Ji were the instrumental back force of our team, providing unwavering support and encouragement.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the dedication of our team was truly tested. Under the Supervision of Pandit Vishal, we stepped up to help those in dire need. We provided food and other essential items to those isolated during the pandemic and even conducted the last rites of those who died from Covid-19, free of cost. Arun Sir’s dedication was particularly noteworthy. Despite the risks, he tirelessly coordinated food drives, ensuring that meals were prepared safely and delivered to those who couldn’t access food. His commitment to the cause inspired many volunteers and ensured that our operations ran smoothly.
Our journey has been incredible, but there is always more to be done. We constantly seek volunteers who can help us serve food to the hungry and reach out to donors willing to contribute. Together, we can make sure that no food goes to waste and no person goes hungry. Join us in this mission and be a part of the change you wish to see in the world.
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