Bengaluru municipality scavenger feeds 300 destitute amid lockdown

Putting all of his life’s savings at risk, John - employed as a scavenger with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) or Bengaluru Municipality - has taken up the task of providing food and water to over 300 poverty-stricken people every day amid a nationwide lockdown.

Bengaluru (Karnataka):While it doesn’t cost much for the privileged lot to share some of their fortunes with those in need, charity is, however, a luxury for the working class, particularly those falling in the lower rung.

However, putting all of his life’s savings at risk, John - employed as a scavenger with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) or Bengaluru Municipality - has taken up the task of providing food and water to over 300 poverty-stricken people every day amid a nationwide lockdown.

John is joined by his wife and children in his noble gesture. The entire family cooks the meal, that is to be distributed, at home, and then packs it up into smaller packets.

“We are trying to help those in need as per our (financial) status. They (people lining up to seek food at his counter) are also human beings like us. They will also feel the hunger,” said.

It was the sight of several destitute men, women and children lying helpless at the Kempegowda Bus Station, more commonly known as Majestic Bus Station, which prompted John to take this initiative.

He began by feeding around 50 people, and as the news spread, the number of people lining up at his counter kept rising.