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A Humble Fight Against Hunger 

Aastha Alok is a charitable trust  established in 2021 to serve

the poor and downtrodden people who are deprived of the basic necessities of life and

suffering from social and economic discrimination. 

         The Trust is the brain child  of  its Chairman, Shri Prakash Mishra, former DGP of CRFF, Govt of India who was inspired by his batchmate Shri D. Sivandhan, former DGP of Maharashtra who has founded  Mumbai  Roti Bankb for providing food to the needy people . Apart from Mr Mishra the Trust has five other trustees looking after  its ongoing project, namely  Cuttack Roti Bank . They are, 

1. Mr. Binod Dash, Chairman Synergy Group of Institutions , Vice Chairman 

2. Mr. Satyakam Mishra,former Chairman, Odisha Public Service Commission , Secretary 

3. Mr Joshobanta Das, former Secretary, Cuttack Club , Asst Secretary

4. Mr Niranjan Agarwalla, Chattered Account, Asst Seceretary

5. Dr Mrunmoy Kumar Mohanty , Intensive Care Specialist,Driems Hospital, Treasurer

On inquiry it is s found that the people across the state come to Cuttack for treatment. Those who come  to Govt  hospitals are poor and  unable to hire accommodation for their attendants. Their poverty compels them to take shelter in the corridors of the hospital and satisfy their hunger only with one meal supplied by the Aadhar Kendras . Having come to know their plight the  Cuttack Roti Bank  targetted  these people and started its free food distribution program in the evening of 

2nd January,2022 at Cancer Institute, Cuttack. However , on request of the then Director of the Cancer Institute  morning tiffins were served to the patients'

attendants from the next day onwards. Initially it was served to 200 persons every morning , but subsequently keeping in view the demand for breakfast the scale of operation was enhanced to cover 250 persons. Even then it was not sufficient to meet the demand. The food distribution program smoothly continued uninterrupted till     April 2024     when the new Director of Cancer Institute did not allow the program to continue at the Institute.

Therefore the program  was shifted to Cuttack Sishu Bhawan Hospital and has been continuing with all success till date. There is no such organisation at Cuttack that serves food for free to 250 persons every morning.  Currently the expenditure per month is about ₹1.8 lakh , that is ₹6000 per day. 

    Mumbai Roti Bank foundation had been kind enough to bear the major part of the expenses till 31st March,2025. But they have stopped the grant in aid  with effect from 1st April this year. Now from 3rd April  onwards the program is being financed out of the savings of the Trust which is not enough to support the program beyond one month or so. 

       Under the circumstances the Trust needs donations for continuing with its ongoing food distribution program. If 400 persons will come forward to donate ₹6000 each  in a year the program can be sustained. The poor people who are unable to spend for breakfast shall be immensely benefited . These people were found to be most vulnerable among  the poor who come from different places and stay in the hospital for days together. The hospital provides food for the patients but there is no arrangement on the hospital campus for providing food to the attendants at affordable price. Many of them being not able to buy food from outside prefer to manage the morning without food.  Cuttack Roti Bank is committed to fight against their hunger. The trustees of Aastha Alok fervently appeal to all generous people to extend their support to the Trust for fulfilling its commitment to the people in distress.

It's easy for many of us to go through our days without truly knowing the ache of hunger. Imagine trying to endure that gnawing feeling for just two days... it gives a glimpse into the reality faced by so many who come to hospitals as attendants for their seriously ill loved ones here in Cuttack.

These are often the most vulnerable among us, traveling from afar and finding themselves with no affordable place to stay or eat within the hospital premises. They often have to manage their mornings without a single meal.

 There is a beacon of hope for them: 🙏 Aastha Alok. This incredible initiative, inspired by the Mumbai Roti Bank, has been tirelessly providing free morning meals to around 250 attendants at hospitals like the Cancer Institute (previously) and currently at Cuttack Sishu Bhawan.

For years, they've been a lifeline, ensuring these caregivers don't have to face the added burden of hunger while supporting their families. However, their primary support from Mumbai Roti Bank has recently ended.

📢 Now, more than ever, Astha Alok needs our help to continue their vital work. They need at least 400 compassionate individuals to come forward and keep this program running.

*Can’t we donate ₹500/- per month for this noble cause and be a part of this mission towards humanity?* 

Let’s show these people that they are not forgotten. Every contribution, big or small, can make a real difference in their lives.

 Learn more about Aastha Alok and how you can support them. Let's spread awareness and extend our generosity.