Kashi, August 15:
To mark the 79th Independence Day of Bharat, a food distribution programme was organized today in the holy city of Kashi under the initiative of young-emerging poet and researcher Sudip Chandra Halder. More than two hundred underprivileged and flood-affected individuals residing in four slum areas—including those adjacent to the Ravidas Park and near the Samney ghats—were provided with food as part of the initiative.

The noble endeavour stood as a shining example of social responsibility and commitment to the nation. Speaking during the event, Sudip Chandra Halder said, “Swami Vivekananda once said that religion cannot be preached on an empty stomach, and to speak of spirituality to the hungry is an insult. As long as even a stray dog remains unfed, I consider myself unfree. It is with this belief in our hearts that we have undertaken this humble effort.”

He further remarked, “To be able to serve the ‘Daridra Narayan’—the poor as manifestations of the divine—in the sacred city of Kashi is indeed a blessing. The youth of the country must come forward and engage in such humanitarian work, for it is their strength and spirit that will shape Bharat’s future.”

The event also witnessed the presence of Swami Brahmamayananda Maharaj of the Bharat Sevashram Sangha, Varanasi branch, along with several students from Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Notable among them were Rajkumar Diamond, Avinash Kumar Singh, Mithun Chakraborty, Animesh Roy, Vivek Kumar, Anup Barnawal, Shibram Kumar, Rahul Kumar, Sushanta Kumar, Ayush Jha, Anik Debnath, Rishi Shah, Spinjay Das, Chayan Mondal, Swapan Roy, and Chitradeep Saha, among others.

Such community-driven efforts not only awaken a sense of compassion and humanity but also deepen the understanding of the true essence of Independence Day.