“This is the first time in Hyderabad that a one-rupee meal initiative has been launched by any organisation. Across India, I found that only Gautam Gambhir had started something similar-Ek Asha Jan Rasoi, where meals are provided for one rupee. In Yanam, one more organisation had taken a similar step. I wanted to take this initiative in Hyderabad and Telangana, where it hadn’t been done before.
Anna danam is a wonderful concept with a spiritual connection. We had been distributing free food at government hospitals and other places, but I realised there were challenges. The people receiving the food had no choice-they might eat it, or they might not. Another issue was portion size. Sometimes, in the spirit of giving, we would serve large portions, but if the person couldn’t finish the meal or didn’t like it, the food was wasted. Seeing this made me think: what if we charge just one rupee? It’s an amount everyone can afford, but it also gives the person dignity and respect. When someone pays-even if it’s just a rupee they take the food with a sense of ownership. They look at what’s available, decide for themselves, and then they value it more, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
With free meals, it was difficult to gauge what people liked or needed. Some prefer spicy food, some don’t. Some might want a different dish. And then there was the issue of waste-paper plates piling up, food thrown away. That’s when we started Karuna Kitchen. Our first branch is at Regimental Bazar Road, Secunderabad, landmark – opposite Manohar Theatre. Here, we serve meals on steel plates with spoons, which are washed and reused, reducing waste. We currently serve around 250-300 meals daily from 12 pm to 2 pm.
The response has been overwhelming. We see delivery workers, daily wage earners, auto drivers, company employees, students-people from all walks of life coming here to eat. A doctor passing by recently stopped, took a token, had a meal, and was amazed by the concept. He told us it tasted like home-cooked food. Another businessman visited, had two plates, and quietly dropped a donation into the hundi, supporting our work without any publicity.
Our menu changes daily-khichdi, dal rice, sambar, curry, cucumbers and we focus on simple, nutritious meals. There are no restrictions. Anyone, regardless of financial background, is welcome. We plan to expand across Hyderabad soon, opening more branches so that more people can have access to affordable meals.
This initiative wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team at Good Samaritans India. The women’s wing plays a crucial role, with people like Vijayalakshmi ensuring cleanliness, and Karuna, Swapna, Pushpa, Sunil, and Laddu handling the kitchen work with a heart for service.
Earlier, we had focused on food distribution at government hospitals. In summer, we also distribute ragi malt, a nutritious and cooling drink, free of cost-a tradition we intend to continue. But with Karuna Kitchen, the goal is different. We want people to come, sit, and eat with dignity.
We prepare meals in our community kitchen in Secunderabad, and anyone who wants to support our initiative can do so. If someone wishes to celebrate a birthday, remember a loved one, or simply contribute to this cause, they can join us, serve food themselves, and be part of this journey.
Hunger knows no age, profession, or financial background. A meal is more than just food-it’s a moment of dignity, a chance for someone to refuel and carry on with their day.
– George Rakesh Babu, Karuna Kitchen, serving one-rupee meals in Secunderabad