Kerala duo serving biryani to poor wins hearts

In a noble gesture, Iqbal and Ashraf have been feeding sumptuous chicken biryani to the poor once a week. The duo is also planning to distribute medicines and clothes to poor people.

Palakkad: NK Mohammad Iqbal and PA Ashraf, a duo from Kottathara village in Kerala's Palakkad district, has been serving chicken biryani at least once every week to the poor.

Every Wednesday, the duo serves biryani to ensure no one in the vicinity starves. The duo's attempt has come as a major relief to the poor and economically weaker sections, and is also helping Iqbal and Ashraf to convert the village into a 'hunger-free' place.

Initially, the duo served biryani to 20 people and today, their business is running in a full-fledged manner and is able to feed more than hundred persons. What started as a small initiative a few years ago has turned into a regular custom through which people relish the taste of sumptuous chicken biryani.

Ashraf, who runs a hotel in Kottathara, cooks the biryani, wraps it and takes it to the village. Ashraf and Iqbal together distribute the biryani packets.

If the duo notices that anyone, who usually takes food from them has not reached, they reach that person’s house to check on him and delivers the food packet. If the person could not reach because of any illness or ailments, the duo takes the person to the hospital as their responsibility.

Iqbal, a native of Kottakkal Vattapparambu in Malappuram district of Kerala, grew up seeing the social service efforts by Kottakkal Ummar Bava Haji. Iqbal has been working with a private institution in Attappadi for the past 25 years.

Alungal Kunjava Haji and Kunju Haji, brothers of Ummar Bava Haji, have remained constant support and encouragement for Iqbal’s initiative, besides his other friends. Iqbal is also the Kottathara unit secretary of Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi.

Though he wishes to provide food to the poor on a daily basis, his financial status and liabilities do not permit to do so.

The Wednesday Biryani distribution at Kottathara has not been hindered or affected at all so far from the beginning. The duo is planning to join hands with other like-minded people and also distribute medicines, clothes, etc to the elderly.