Bubaneshwar Students Organise Free Food Store For The Poor

Over the years, India has come to be viewed as a force to be reckoned with, and with good reason. It's the second fastest growing economy in the world after China but most people understand that this representation is deeply skewed in favour of upper-caste, upper-class, and the more economically stable elite.

A majority of our population still fights everyday to be able to afford the three basic necessities of life — food, clothing and shelter. After more than six decades of independence and eleven five year plans, poverty is still an increasing problem in India.

All the items in the store, including food and clothes, were collected from the donations by students and locals. The shoppers were given a token at the counter and they could purchase anything in exchange for it. Organisers believe that there was a turnout of about 500 people.

While what they are doing might be completely selfless, and not necessarily actionable in the long-term, perhaps it will at least do its bit in catalysing scores of apathetic youth to take inspiration in their model and develop their own ways to do their own bit in other parts of the country. We only hope that our government is taking notes.