Thrissur: In a world driven by money and profit, Babu George, a fish vendor, and his family stand out by making kindness their guiding principle. The family runs a modest fish stall on the Mulankunnathukavu–Wadakkanchery road, where a rare promise is displayed on two boards outside, “Half a kilo of fish free for cancer patients.”

The initiative, started four months ago, was inspired by personal pain. When a close relative was diagnosed with cancer, Babu understood the helplessness families endure. Guided by lessons from his father, George, he decided to offer cancer patients free fish, ensuring dignity in the process.

“I can often recognise genuine patients when they come. Sometimes I even call them over from the roadside crowd,” says Babu. To prevent misuse, he checks hospital-issued ID cards, based on advice from doctors at the Government Medical College.

Babu began working at the Shaktan Fish Market at just 12 years old, later selling fish by the roadside before managing to rent a shop. Financial difficulties forced him to shut it down, but with the help of a bank loan, he eventually opened his own stall.

Though he has achieved some stability, Babu has not forgotten the hardships of hunger and poverty. “You cannot bear the pain of an empty stomach,” he said. Many cancer patients find their stall through the board outside the Medical College Hospital. Families often thank him, but Babu responds only with a smile. For him, getting a chance to help these patients is the greatest joy in his life.