Changanassery: Kottayam is basking in glory as it was recently declared as the only hunger-free district in India. To add to it, two more initiatives will be flagged off in the district to ensure that no one goes hungry here.
The 'Anjappam Bhakshanashala' project, which was introduced in 2016 at Kozhencherry, and has since then proved successful, will be launched in Kottayam as well. The eatery would begin functioning from November 1 onwards at the Panachikkal building in Changanassery.
No bills or counters
The eatery wouldn't have a billing counter, and those who eat here can deposit a sum, as per their wish, in the box kept outside.
Serves knowledge too
The 'Anjappam Bhakshanasala' is not just an eatery where food alone is served. Books, too, are available here so that both the body and souls are enriched. The eatery functions with the ideal to 'perceive food and knowledge with reverence' and it was introduced by Fr Bobby Jose, a renowned missionary.
Outlets of 'Anjappam' functions at Neyyattinkara and Ranni as well. Delicious vegetarian food is available at the eatery where lunch is served at 12 pm to 2.30 pm. The executive council members Robin Kurien, Prem Sebastian, and Louis Abraham informed that the eatery would function as a reading space between 4 pm to 8 pm.
Hunger-free Kanjirappally
The Social Active Friends (SAF), a local non-profit organization, and the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association Unit would jointly inaugurate the hunger-free Knajirappally project on 1st November, the birth anniversary of Kerala. Free lunches would be served at 22 hotels around the town. Those who do not have the money to buy food can collect coupons from counters which will be opened at 4 different places.
The project was perceived by M A Ribinsha, the member of the 8th ward which includes the Kanjirappally town, with the help of Shaji Valiakunnathu, Riyas Caltex, Babu Poothakuzhi, Anshad Ismail, and Vipin Raju who are the SAF volunteers. Shereef Thoufeeq, Ayoob All-in-One, Shahul Hameed Apple Be, and Sunil Sea Blue, who are the officials of the Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association, have also pledged their wholehearted support to this project.
Coupons
The food coupons will be available at Caltex petrol pump near Pettakavala, S and S Automobiles at the Erattupetta road, Puthenangadi Patiala Time House, and at the All-in-All DTP centre near the mini civil station.
Kottayam scores 'zero' on hunger index
Besides, the economic factors, the UNDP and the Oxford Human Development Initiative, have considered health services, education, and standard of living while preparing the hunger index. These are the various criteria according to which the places were ranked in the hunger index:
Education
At least one member in a family hasn't acquired education up to class 5
A child in a family hasn't completed standard 8
Health
Infant death in a family in the last 5 years
Lack of nutritious food
Standard of living
House which do not have electricity, pure drinking water facilities and standardized flooring
Unhygienic surroundings
Houses where cooking gas or kerosene are not used for cooking
Non availability of at least two among radio, TV, phone, fridge and a two wheeler
The score to determine the hunger index was set between 0-10. Kottayam has been included in the hunger-free list as the families in the district wouldn't qualify to the above critera. Hence, the score for Kottayam in the hunger index is a glorious 'zero.'
