Interview: Mithu Chowdhury of Dreamer Trust feeding the poor for ₹1

GIVE.DO is in conversation with Mithu Chowdhury of Dreamer Trust, an NGO that feeds the poor and underprivileged for just ₹1 per meal. Dreamer Trust focuses on helping people suffering from hunger and starvation in the North 24 Parganas area of West Bengal which includes the Sundarbans region where poverty and suffering is rife. Mithu Chowdhury is the founder of Dreamer Trust and understands what it means to suffer without food. His NGO Dreamer Trust has served 301,000 fresh and nutritious One Rupee Thali Meals to people in need since 2020. 

 

Here are 5 questions with Mithu Chowdhury of Dreamer Trust!

 

Give.do: What effect does hunger have on a person and how does it impact their health, education, employment and future?

 

Mithu Chowdhury: Hunger plays a crucial role in shaping society, as access to nutritious food is fundamental to ensuring good health, better educational outcomes and improved employment opportunities – factors that collectively contribute to the progress and development of a nation. However, underprivileged and marginalized communities often struggle to meet even their most basic food needs. For many, securing a daily meal is a challenge, leading to countless nights spent on an empty stomach. This persistent lack of nourishment not only weakens their physical health but also diminishes their mental capabilities, limiting their potential to break free from the cycle of poverty.

 

The effects of malnutrition are particularly severe for children, as inadequate nutrition during early developmental years hinders their ability to concentrate, learn and perform academically. In this contrast, hunger and a better future are inversely proportional to each other – where hunger persists, development lags behind. Addressing food insecurity is not just about feeding people; it is about empowering individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty, enabling them to build healthier, more educated and economically stable lives. By ensuring access to nutritious food for all, we pave the way for a stronger, more prosperous society where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

Give.do: Tell us how you came up with the idea to serve food to underprivileged people in the North 24 Parganas area?

 

Mithu Chowdhury: In 2020, during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, my friends, a group of dedicated volunteers and I took the initiative to distribute food to distressed and downtrodden communities in various areas of West Bengal. However, we soon realized that providing one-time meals was only a temporary relief and would not create long-term impact. This led us to conduct a survey to identify areas where food insecurity was a persistent issue.

 

Our research highlighted that North 24 Parganas, the largest district in West Bengal, comprises numerous underdeveloped villages and urban slum areas where poverty is widespread. According to the District Human Development Report, semi-skilled and unskilled wage labor accounts for the second-largest share of livelihoods after agriculture. However, these jobs offer meagre earnings, making it difficult for families to afford basic necessities, including food. Additionally, as agricultural land decreases, more people rely on purchasing raw food items from markets, further increasing their financial burden. 

 

Our survey also revealed that many individuals travel long distances from rural areas to seek medical treatment at Barasat Government Hospital. Due to prolonged hospital stays and financial constraints, affording daily meals from hotels becomes a challenge for these patients and their families. Considering these critical factors, we decided to launch our initiative in North 24 Parganas, aiming to address food insecurity and support vulnerable populations. This is just the beginning of our journey, and we aspire to expand our efforts across other regions in the near future.

 

Give.do: You decided to charge ₹1 for your meals to give people a sense of self-respect. Can you tell us why this is important?

 

Mithu Chowdhury: The fundamental idea behind the One Rupee Thali project is that every individual has the potential to contribute meaningfully to society, and no one should ever perceive themselves as a beggar. Our mission is not to seek gratitude or charity but to extend a helping hand in reducing social inequality and ensuring that no one is deprived of a basic necessity – food.

 

Many people travel from far-off villages and towns to seek medical treatment at Barasat Hospital. Often, they have to stay for extended periods. With limited financial resources, affording daily meals from hotels or food stalls becomes an overwhelming challenge. While they greatly benefit from this meal service, receiving food entirely free of cost can sometimes make them feel uncomfortable or stripped of their dignity. These individuals work hard to earn a living and support their families, so depending on charity for food may create a sense of helplessness. To address this issue, we introduced the One Rupee Thali as a token of dignity and love. This nominal amount is not about its monetary value; rather, it serves as a symbol of self-respect and dignity. Through this initiative, we aim to bridge the gap between privilege and poverty, fostering a society where everyone has access to basic sustenance without compromising their dignity.

 

Give.do: When you were a child, you suffered from hunger and starvation. Did this make you want to help others when you grew up?

 

Mithu Chowdhury: Yes, I grew up struggling in poverty from my childhood. While pursuing my education I worked as a vegetable cart helper with a vegetable trader by roaming different markets. Not only this, but alongside working as a tempo car helper, washing dishes in restaurants in front of NJP railway station of Siliguri became part of my daily routine to cover my educational expenses. There have been times when I struggled to arrange even a single meal. Often, I spent the entire day without food. I had sleepless and hungry nights and many days I suffered from nightmares. My closest friend would bring me food and that would ease my hunger. From that time onwards, I dreamed of doing something for society. Even though I got involved in business activities, I still remained mindful of my challenging past.

 

However, the devastating COVID-19 pandemic changed human life entirely. Once again, I witnessed hunger, sorrow, starvation and death which I already went through. These miserable circumstances changed my worldview and I started Dreamer Trust. My friends’ contributions played a vital role in starting the NGO, including significant contributions of dedicated staff members and volunteers.  

 

Give.do: Is there a book or documentary film you recommend for people to learn more about this issue? 

 

Mithu Chowdhury: I recommend the book and film Pather Panchali which is a novel written by Bengali author Bibhuti Bhushan Bandyopadhyay and was later made into a movie by filmmaker Satyajit Ray. 

 

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