Pune News: Seva Vardhini’s Ek Mutthi Anaj Abhiyan: 1.02 Million Meals Served Through People’s Movement

Pimpri-Chinchwad | July 28, 2025 — A small idea seeded with compassion has today grown into a massive citywide campaign. Seva Vardhini’s Ek Mutthi Anaj Abhiyan—a citizen-driven movement in Pimpri-Chinchwad—is feeding over 700 people daily across orphanages, elderly homes, and underprivileged communities through just a handful of grain contributed by each participating family.

With the guiding belief that “drop by drop, a lake is formed,” the initiative encourages each family to donate just 200–250 grams of grain monthly. That simple act, repeated by over 32,000 families, translates into 5,000–6,000 kg of food every month—distributed the very same day to those in need.

By the Numbers:

• Active in 7 suburbs
• Includes 80+ housing societies
• Supported by 650+ volunteers
• 204,000 kg of grain collected over 4 years
• Help extended to 49 institutions
• 1,020,000+ meals served
• No money collected, only food grains
• Same-day delivery of contributions to recipients

Leadership and Vision:
At the heart of the campaign is President Vinod Patil, recipient of the Bharat Bhushan and Inspiring Human awards, working alongside Founder Girija Tai Shirshikar, and mentors Girish Degavkar and Vinayak Kaka Kulkarni.

The committee, secretaries, and a large network of core volunteers play critical roles in driving participation and managing logistics across neighborhoods like Wakad and Pimple Saudagar.

Voices from the Movement:

“This initiative has grown into a social revolution. Feeding over 700 people a day is just the beginning—we’re aiming to reach institutions across Maharashtra.” — Vinod Patil

“An idea as small as a handful of grain has sparked tonnes of generosity. It’s proof of how collective empathy transforms into impact.” — Abhay Baviskar

“Transparency is the foundation of trust. The committee’s commitment to ethical distribution has earned us the community’s deep respect.” — Keshav Joshi

“From 4 societies to 21 in Wakad alone, the wave of participation shows this movement touches hearts.” — Abhijeet Chaudhary

“Month after month, 32,000+ families join us in giving. The committee is inspired by their belief and moved to expand further.” — Aniket Deshmukh

“Every collection feels like a celebration. It uplifts us and reminds our team what service truly means.” — Prasad Padgavkar

“To be part of Ek Mutthi Anaj Abhiyan is to feel purposeful. Our volunteers are determined to grow to 100+ societies—and beyond.” — Vivek Kasat

Campaign Committee:
The initiative is run by an active and growing team of dedicated volunteers including: Shivram Latpate, Shivkumar Pyati, Nitin Salve, Purushottam Shete, Shikhar Shrivastava, Tarun Sitha, Nitin Bhirud, Sandeep Gunjal, Sandeep Kale, Tushar Shah, Vivek Vijay Kasat, Chandan Chaurasia, Manik Sudrik, Bhagwat Patil, Anand Gujarathi, Pushkar Sarnis, Vishnukant Pandey, Arvind Puranik, Viral Shah, Chakradhar Borkute, Nakul Deshpande, Subhash Pathak, and many more.

Ek Mutthi Anaj Abhiyan is no longer just a monthly act of giving—it’s a philosophy. Born of kindness, built by unity, and carried forward by thousands of giving hearts, it stands as a model for what a community can achieve—one handful at a time.