From kindness to community service: Bargarh farmer runs Rs 1 breakfast stall

In today’s inflationary era, getting a filling breakfast for even Rs 40-Rs 50 has become difficult. But, people are served hot 'ghuguni' along with 'bara', idli, and 'gulgula' for just Rs 1 at the Khedapali area in Bargarh district. With only a rupee coin, locals step out for work after a full morning meal. 

As per reports, a long queue forms in front of a tiffin stall in front of the district headquarters hospital every Sunday morning. Whether it's relatives of patients or local residents-everyone who walks up is handed a plate filled with bara, idli, gulgula, and hot ghuguni. People eat to their heart’s content and pay only Rs 1.

The man behind this compassionate initiative is Umesh Pradhan of Khedapali village. Every Sunday from 7 AM, Umesh sets up his breakfast stall in front of the Bargarh District Headquarters Hospital. Having understood the pain of the poor and hungry, he started this noble effort to ensure that no one begins the day on an empty stomach. 

"There is no worth of one rupee these days. However, they are providing quality breakfast in the morning with just Rs 1," said Sarjan Meher, attendant of a patient.

Umesh is a farmer. One day, while visiting the hospital, he noticed the difficulties faced by poor patients and their attendants. Moved by their hardship, he started a one-rupee breakfast initiative. He began this effort on December 18, 2022. Initially, he handled everything alone, but now his nephew also helps him in this noble work.

Every Sunday, both the uncle and the nephew wake up at 4 am and start preparing food. Together, they cook breakfast for around 250 to 300 people. By 7 am, they reach the hospital premises and distribute plates of breakfast to people for just one rupee.

Umesh says he is trying to find ways to provide this breakfast service every day in the future. Although he initially wanted to offer it for free, he decided to charge one rupee because people feel more comfortable and dignified that way.

"Our aim is to provide food to the people easily. The breakfast is provided for just Rs 1. We are also providing breakfast to the people who don't have even Rs 1. We started the initiative in 2022 for the convenience of people. We aim to provide this breakfast service every day in the future," said Umesh Pradhan.