At one time or another, most of us have had people from earlier generation tell us clichéd stories about how much they could buy for Rupee 1. Today, you can’t really buy much of anything with Rupee 1 – except for the candies may be.
Though Rupee 1 coin is still around, but it seems to have lost its worth. So, when someone sells a full meal for Rupee 1, are you shocked or surprised or impressed? I guess, all!
Venkatraman from Erode, Tamil Nadu provides meals to the poor for a token amount of Re. 1. He offers around 70 meals every day including dishes like rice, curry, idlis and dosas through his self-run Sri AMV Homely Mess. 
Venkatraman has been providing these meals since 2007 to the patients and their caregivers of the nearby Erode General Hospital.
It all started because of a single woman who unwittingly made Venkataraman aware of a very harsh reality.
“A lady came to my mess to purchase food for herself and her husband who was admitted in the nearby government hospital. She wanted to purchase idlis, which I sell six for Rs. 10. But they were unavailable that day so I asked her to take dosas instead,” narrates Venkataraman, remembering the lady who became the starting point of his journey.
She refused to purchase dosas, because they were sold three for Rs. 10, and that would not be enough for her family. Touched by her dejected expression, Venkataraman gave her six dosas for the same amount.
But this wasn’t the end of the story. The incident, which would have been easily forgotten by many restaurant owners, stayed with Venkataraman. He realized that some people were dependent on an amount as small as Rs. 10 for survival through the entire day. He knew he had to do something, to the best of his own ability.
Watch Venkataraman’s awe-inspiring story here…
You may read more about him here.
Venkataraman shows us that you don’t have to be rich to help someone. You can show compassion and kindness even if you are struggling yourself. And that ordinary people can do extraordinary things!
Giving back is as good for you as it is for those you are helping, because giving gives you purpose. When you have a purpose-driven life, you’re a happier person — Goldie Hawn
This post is part of the We Are the World Blogfest, a monthly event created by Damyanti Biswas and Belinda Witzenhausen to showcase stories of hope and light. This month I’m helping Belinda out as a co-host, along with extraordinary bloggers Guilie Castillo, Sylvia McGrath, and Mary Giese—please hop over to check out their WATWB posts as well as from other WATWB participants for a dose of feel-good to last you a whole month. You’ll be happy you did 🙂
Click HERE to check out the intention and rules of the blogfest and feel free to sign up at any time. You are always welcome!
Linking this to Day 8 of the Write Tribe Problogger October 2017 Blogging Challenge#writebravely #writetribeproblogger
40 Responses
Thanks Shilpa, lovely inspiring story 🙂
Indeed this is an amazing Indian. At the TMH in Mumbai there is a stall providing subsidised meals for the families . This is a real help when a family is busy looking after someone in hospital
I know what you mean. My recent visits to a hospital showed me how challenging it is for people from lower socio-economic strata to get treatments in city hospitals. Some even have to sell their valuables etc and really struggle. Support like this can mean a lot to them.
Thanks for dropping by and reading this story, Susan!
Such a heartwarming story, Shilpa. There is still a lot of kindness in the world if we look for it and stepped away from the noise on social media. Thank you for sharing his story. These are the stories that need to be told.
Yes, it’s people like Venkataraman who restore our faith in humanity and their stories should be known to one and all. Thanks for reading and sharing, Shailaja!
What a wonderful story! I love that he heard of a need and it stayed on his heart until he acted on it. I liked seeing his restaurant in the video as well. Thank you, Shilpa, for finding this to share.
Well said, he not only showed compassion and understanding to that woman on that particular day but has been continuing to touch so many lives everyday and for years now. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts, Lynda!
To show compassion and kindness regardless of your own circumstances… That right there may be the key to not just world peace but individual (and collective) happiness. Venkatraman is setting forth a beautiful example… May his selflessness spread like wildfire. Thanks for sharing!
Guilie, October co-host, @ Quiet Laughter
Amen to that! Agree with you, Venkataraman is a shining example of compassion and selfless service.
Thanks for dropping by and reading, Guilie.
I wish these names were more common to the public instead of the rabid hate spewing ministers. seriously!
I know what you mean. But wonder that will happen! 😐
Such an inspiring story shilpa, thank you for sharing:)
Thanks for reading, Genevive!!
Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.
Re. denotes a singular value of rupee, while Rs. is used to denote multiple rupees. Therefore, I think Rs.1 is incorrect. It should be Re.1. I am not nitpicking. Just wanted to show how closely I read your posts.
Aww! Thank you so much for pointing that out, SG. Rectifying it right away! Learnt something new. 🙂 And thank you for reading too 🙂
We could all learn more compassion in our daily lives and Venkataraman is providing us with a wonderful example. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming story and for co-hosting WATWB Shilpa!
A touching story that makes me think, yet again, about how fortunate I am. I’m in awe of people like Venkatraman who saw a need, then did something about it. He is positivity in action.
Hi Shilpa. What a beautiful share. It’s so heartwarming to learn there are still people who go the extra miles for those less fortunate. A blessing. 🙂
What an uplifting story. Kindness, compassion, and generosity can truly make a significant difference in people’s lives as this example demonstrates. Thanks for sharing!
To be a Hero one need really not have super powers. One just needs compassionate heart and courage to help.
Thanks for sharing the story of Venkatraman, the Meal Provider; Shilpa.
-Anagha From Team MocktailMommies
Thank you for that inspiring story.
What a lovely story of compassion. If we all had just a bit more compassion and a bit less greed our world would be so much better. Thank you for sharing.
What a large hearted man to realise the desperate need of that woman and then inspired himself by it to do such a noble deed! We all can do a little bit to make the world a little better! Thanks for sharing shilpa!
Giving never comes from having deep pockets, but from having a generous heart. You story has just proved that once again, Shilpa.
Thanks for sharing it with us.
What an inspirational post Shilpa, thank you so much for sharing about him. I remember reading about him on a forward but never trusted it to be true, nor did I research. But today indeed – hat’s off to his large heart and true humanity.
*respect*
What an incredible story and what an incredible man! I’m sure he charges that Rs.1 not for any profit, but so that those who feed thanks to him, do not feel indebted to him, but entitled to the food. I loved this story!
I think it is a wonderful idea he had. The fact that he is always wishing to increase the amount he can give shows his commitment to helping others. Let us not forget those who donate monies so that he can continue to help those in need. I hope others will look at this and see that it takes someone to care and commit to making the lives of others better. Thank you for sharing and for being a part of #WATWB
Wow! Such people make this world a better place to live in. Inspiring post, Shilpa. Thank you for sharing.
That was such a heartwarming post, Shilpa!
There’s something I have observed: people, who themselves find it difficult making ends meet, are the ones most helpful. It takes not just guts to go out of ones way to help someone in need, it also takes a large heart!
Salute to Mr. Venkatraman who is offering something that is basic and essential for people – Healthy Food. Its a sad reality that even after 70 years of independence we have people in our country who cannot afford 2 times meals.
Helping someone gives you immense peace which can’t be achieved even if you buy an expensive gift for yourself. Your generosity is always counted in the spreadsheet of God.
Such a heartwarming post! Thank you so much for sharing this and for being part of #WATWB! 🙂
When someone comes to an Indian’s house they can’t leave without eating a hearty meal. Venkatraman is one fine example of this! Good read Shilpa.
When you read stories like these, you realize humanity still exists in this insane world. Inspiring and heart-warming. Thanks for bringing to light such real-life heroes.
Thank you for sharing this lovely story, Shilpa. How many people will really care like he did? God bless him. As you pointed out there are a million ways to do good if we put our heart to it.
What a practical and generous man he is, Shilpa. His care of the sick and poor is truly noble. Thanks for sharing
A lovely story, Shilpa. Heart-warming to know such actions occur, often unsung of course, so thanks for sharing and hosting.
Compassion is shown by experienced persons and your story narrates same. We all need to be more compassionate and less judgemental and inquisitive.
Cheers
MeenalSonal from AuraOfThoughts
Thank you for sharing this lovely story,
mangesh
https://www.itsmarttricks.com/