What is needed to connect hunger pain for those who find themselves in need? Just “Make Roti” (two Rotis). The last decade of Azhar Maqsusi, an activist based in Hyderabad, who has been working on feeding the poor, leads the campaign “to Roti” in an effort to empathize and help those who cannot afford food.
The idea, as he says, was to make it easier for donors – no large amounts of money, no throwing around heavy rationing packages. “All they have to do is to do and carry two rotis from home with them. In this way, recipients would have the same home meal as a donor,” Mr. Maqsusi explains.
“There were people who came to me and said they wanted to get involved in charity acts, but they didn’t have much money to save,” says Mr. Maqsusi. “Their spirit of giving was noticeable. After I thought so, I started the campaign to Roti, which on the one hand did not burn a hole in my pocket, but at the same time brought a meaningful change.”
Emphasis is placed directly on those who are located on traffic signals, near hospitals and in similar public areas. Specifically, the campaign discourages cash and quotes that money can be abused for buying intoxicants and alcohol. “We have seen problems with drug use. Providing food will effectively eliminate worries about money abuse,” he says.
Reaction to the 10th year of the campaign was encouraging. In addition to Hyderabad, people from other cities, such as Karimnagar and Kadapa, contributed to the success of the initiative. Mr. Maqsusi says he used his social media reach to popularize the campaign and inspire others to join.
“It is important to teach empathy to children. That is why I have appealed to my parents to accompany them during the campaign to Roti. It is really encouraging to see how people who help others help.
Published – 29. May 2025 09:07 IS
