Ever heard of the saying ‘Helping one person might not change the whole world, but it could change the world for one person.’
Recite You – a platform that brings you extraordinary work from around the world by people whose voices deserve to be heard. Ashwini and Ankush have lived with these words. In a world where life moves in fast lanes, people are often busy with their own schedules but there still exist a helping nature of compassion, empathy and humanity.
Their passion from setting a food stall to building a business to support numerous women in need is a heroic deed.
From Kitchen to Heart
Mumbai based, MBA graduates Ashwini and Ankush are full time professionals, living typical urban life. They employed a 55-year-old woman as their domestic cook which ultimately became family to them.
But Life often takes Unexpected Turns.
The old woman faced the same when her husband suffered a paralytic stroke and as a primary earner and caregiver her burden became heavier. Though she continued working in homes, she wasn’t able to manage all medical expenses, household duties and emotional toll.
After knowing her situation people might have donated money or paid a higher salary but Ashwini and Ankush knew that sometimes charity may feel humiliating, even when the intentions are good. So, they came up with an idea to open a small food stall. A breakfast stall where she could cook and sell tasty food which she made for them and they would help by managing the stall during morning before their office hours.
Serving Dreams with Breakfast
In October 2019 they decided to set up the stall outside Kandivali West Railway Station, Mumbai. With a tempting menu listing poha, parathas, chutney, upma, and idlis, which was enough for hungry morning travelers looking for good authentic home cooked meals. Ashwini and Ankush would open the stall at 4:00 am and manage all the set ups and serve the customers and by 9:30 am they would leave for their office.
The Selflessness of the Couple didn’t go unrecognized.
Deepali Bhatia, a passerby after observing the helping hands of the couple, shared their noble story on Facebook. Everyone who came to know about it was shaken by the lovely act of the couple.
Within weeks, they started receiving orders in bulk from nearby offices and gained loyal customers. This act of compassion inspired an entire community and uplifted their cook.
New Vision
After receiving encouragement, the couple expanded the menu by adding various parathas, sabzis, rice dishes and tiffin services and decided to increase their contribution by launching a delivery-only kitchen named Annapoorna Paratha Stall in Malad West.
Their vision was to expand the business and empower other women who were struggling financially. This new vision opened doors for women from low-income housing to earn and support their family through cooking and delivery services.
Two Changemakers
As COVID-19 smacked the world, almost all small businesses had to suffer a downfall. But Ashwini and Ankush adapted to the environment quickly and started taking orders via WhatsApp and maintained a high standard of hygiene and quality and continued to earn and help more women by providing work under their wing.
Ashwini and Ankush are the best examples of extraordinary changemakers. Their act of love and compassion speaks that change doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes it’s not about creating a massive foundation or starting a high-profile campaign but to stand beside the one who needs a helping hand. They remind us of the power of empathy, in a world where people are quick to complain and slow to act.
