Azhar Maqsusi, who is well known for serving free food under the bridge at Dabeerpura in Hyderabad, has now started his free food service near Gandhi Hospital as well.
Azhar, who runs an NGO, Sani Welfare Association, says, “Those who visit Gandhi Hospital are mostly poor people who save up all they can for healthcare. Often the attendants don’t have the money to afford a meal and eat whatever little they find. I’ve been noticing this for a while and wanted to provide them free food. I also want to offer the same service near the Osmania Hospital.” He adds, “Those selling food nearby might create a problem but I won’t be here all day so they can run their business. I’d only be distributing food between 2.30 to 3.30 pm every day.”
He estimates that over 300 people will turn up every day and around 50 kg of rice would be needed. “They don’t need fancy meals. All they crave for is dal and chawal. But I will also give them jeera rice and lemon rice twice a week,” he says.
“But unlike at Dabeerpura, where we ask them to sit down and serve them with respect, it’s not possible near Gandhi Hospital. We need a small space near the hospital where we can serve food and would urge concerned officials to help us with it,” he adds.
He continues, “My dad passed away when I was four. I have gone without eating for days and had struggled to survive. I’ve been working since I was 12. So I understand the pain of these people who can’t afford even a one-time meal. My mother Sadda Noor Banu and my wife Sadda Taj Ishaqui have always supported me and the cause.”
After DC had reported about the free food service he runs under the Dabeerpura bridge, a lot of people got in touch with him through Facebook and came ahead to donate for the cause. “I try to avoid collecting money as much as I can. I encourage them to donate rice or lentils instead. When we are working for people’s good, god will find us a way. Mostly my Facebook friends help me with donations. Now that more people are coming forward to help, I want to start more services.”
Azhar’s NGO also runs a free clinic and provides free tuitions to students of Class X. “Besides this, the poor can also come ahead and learn a skillset like tailoring and this could provide employment opportunities.”
Azhar is now working towards his dream project — a school where students from Kindergarten to Class V will receive free education on par with international schools. “I could study only till Class V. I regret not being able to study further. At least I can help educate others.”
