“I’ve always believed that even the smallest act of kindness can create a ripple effect. That belief led me to start Helping Spot Foundation in 2015 after I left my job as a Junior IT Officer at Krishna Patnam Port. Life was comfortable, but something didn’t feel right. Living in Machilipatnam, I saw children dropping out of school and families struggling for basics like food and healthcare. I couldn’t just look away.
We started small, focusing on food distribution. Weddings, hotels, and family functions often have surplus food that goes to waste, and I thought-why not give it to those who need it? That simple idea grew into a system where we now collect two tons of excess food every month to feed the hungry. But as we spent time in these communities, it became clear that food was just the beginning. Education, healthcare, and basic necessities were all critical needs, and we decided to address them too.
One moment that really tested us was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone was scared and uncertain, but the hardest hit were the vulnerable communities. My wife, who was seven months pregnant at the time, joined me in cooking and distributing food. Together, we provided over 50,000 meal packs during those challenging days. It wasn’t easy, but it reminded us why we do what we do.
Over the years, we’ve expanded our work to sponsor the education of 28 children, provide medical support to 25 families, and run environmental and sanitation campaigns. The goal is not just to help people survive but to give them a chance to thrive. Through our efforts, every smile we’ve seen, every life we’ve touched-it’s what keeps us going. But this isn’t just my story. It’s the story of volunteers and supporters who’ve joined hands to create something bigger than any of us could do alone. And I am grateful for my wife and family members who have always been there with me all throughout.
There’s still so much more to be done, and I know the road ahead won’t be easy. But I also know that as long as we keep showing up and doing what we can, we’ll keep making a difference.”
- Bhargav Vetrapragada, Founder, Helping Spot Organisation