The Man Who Changed Lives – One Meal at a Time

Written by: Cadence

What made a man with the world at his feet, give up 5 star surroundings for the poverty-stricken streets of Madurai, India?

Narayanan Krishnan had graduated with a degree and was on track to become an award-winning chef in Switzerland, when he took a trip to his Indian hometown.

It was here that a single moment would change his life forever. He saw an elderly man who was forced to eat his own faeces through desperate hunger.  Recognising that so many were starving and filthy, living in dire poverty, the chef decided to devote his life to helping the man and others like him. 

Since 2002 he has done just that, providing food, hygiene and a friendly face to the homeless, elderly, sick and mentally ill in Madurai. He cooks traditional meals to ease their hunger, and provides a wash, haircut and shave to help the destitute begin to feel human again.

Narayanan says “the food will give them physical nutrition. The love and affection which you show will give them mental nutrition”.  The inspirational chef added “food is one part. Love is another part”. In a country where the caste system still prevails, Brahmins like Narayanan are the highest regarded status in society. It is unheard of for members of the social elite to interact with the homeless in this way.

In its initial year, he fed around 30 people using his own personal savings. By 2011, Krishnan had served 1.7 million meals. In 2013 the project developed into The Akshaya Trust, a residential home housing 450. By providing shelter, care and three healthy meals a day, the aim is to restore human dignity and change lives. In 2010 he was awarded a place in the top 10 in CNN’s Heroes 2010 list, and even spoke at one an independently organised TEDx event.

Last month, The Akshaya Trust was cleared of allegations that illegal organ transplantation and sexual harassment were taking place within the home. The claims, made by a 21-year-old mentally disabled woman, were thrown out by a Madras high court. Having tormented the charity since June, Akshaya is finally free to continue its work.

Despite these setbacks, Narayanan’s message is still something we can all learn from. He said: “There are thousands and thousands, and lots and lots of people suffering. What is the ultimate purpose of life? It’s to give. Start giving. See the joy of giving”.

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Sources

http://akshayatrust.org/krishnan.php

http://akshayausa.wordpress.com/

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4k5XZ6qU1eg#t=308

Man Quits Job To Feeds India´s Homeless

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Court-says-no-sufficient-proof-against-Akshaya-trust-closes-PIL/articleshow/42392080.cms