
Prayagraj, 27 Feb (HS): ISKCON Dwarka has
successfully concluded its Free Meal Initiative at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj,
serving over 50 lakh nutritious meals to pilgrims. This initiative, in collaboration
with the Adani Group, demonstrated large-scale humanitarian service, blending
spiritual devotion with culinary excellence. ISKCON in collaboration with Adani
established the largest Mahakumbh Kitchen, at DSA Ground near Khusro Park,
efficiently served 3 lakh meals daily throughout the Maha Kumbh, ensuring that
no pilgrim left hungry after their holy snan. Three dedicated kitchens operated
in perfect coordination, specializing in different aspects of meal preparation
and distribution, integrating modern logistics with traditional cooking
methods.
Highlighting
the teamwork behind the initiative, ISKCON Dwarka Head of Kitchen Operations,
Bali Murari Prabhu, remarked, “This initiative was a testament to the power of
coordinated service. The three kitchens worked together like a well-oiled
machine, ensuring that every devotee was served with love and care. Our goal
was not just to provide meals but to offer prasadam that nourished the body and
uplifted the soul.” He further added, “We are highly organized and modernized.
Our chapati machine produces 10,000 rotis in an hour. With extensive experience
and modern tools, we are ensuring seamless service to lakhs of devotees.”
A team of
select chefs and food experts from ISKCON Dwarka, known for their efficient
food distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, managed operations. This
dedicated team, which includes former five-star hotel chefs turned ISKCON
devotees, has previously demonstrated their capabilities during the pandemic.
They successfully established a world-class kitchen in just 7 days in ISKCON
Dwarka, Delhi, serving 5 lakh meals daily and a total of over 5 crore meals
during the crisis, providing relief to countless individuals in need. “Their
experience and expertise have been invaluable in ensuring the smooth and
efficient operation of the Mahakumbh Kitchen,” said Bali Murari Prabhu.
The
kitchen upheld the highest standards of hygiene and taste, serving a variety of
sattvic delicacies such as chole, rajma, dal, puri, sabji, halwa, idli, and
dhokla, all prepared with devotion. Speaking about the initiative, Dr.
Madhukant Das, Director CSR, ISKCON Dwarka, stated, “This was not just about
feeding people; it was about serving with love and devotion, ensuring every
pilgrim left with both physical nourishment and spiritual fulfillment.”
The
Prayagraj administration provided essential support, ensuring smooth and
uninterrupted food distribution. Their cooperation played a vital role in the
success of this initiative.
As the
Maha Kumbh Free Meal Initiative comes to a close, ISKCON Dwarka extends its
gratitude to all volunteers, administrative authorities, and donors who
contributed to this mission. This initiative reaffirms ISKCON Dwarka’s
commitment to humanitarian service and spiritual welfare, vowing to continue
its mission of prasadam distribution and selfless service.
Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi