Social media offers 'Roti Bank' platform to increase reach

Roti Bank, a unique initiative run by a group of 12 people, provides food to the underprivileged in Chhattisgarh's Raipur. It was started by one Kishor Kant Tiwari of Uttar Pradesh.

New Delhi: Roti Bank, an initiative launched by a group of 12 people last year in Chhattisgarh with an aim to provide free meals to the underprivileged, is getting the much desired free publicity to carry out its operations effectively across the state.

The Roti Bank in Raipur started by one Kishor Kant Tiwari of Uttar Pradesh, is gaining popularity across India.

The volunteers, who would contribute an amount of ₹500 at the time of joining the organisation, are using firewood to prepare the meals, for which ingredients would generally come from donations made by people.

Leader of the group Poonam Agarwal said that there are few individuals who donate on a regular basis, thereby, giving it a smooth run.

Poonam also revealed that the volunteers often shell out money from their pocket to transport goods.

The organisation also collects surplus food from weddings, birthday parties and other functions. The food is then distributed among the needy.

A team member, Kaustav, said initially they faced a lot of difficulties but off late various social media platforms helped them increase their reach.

With the initiative gaining momentum, the concept is being widely recognised across the country.