A youth from Upper Assam’s Tinsukia district has been distributing food and offering shelter to the homeless and those living on the footpath in Guwahati for the past two months.
Tultul Kachhari, who hails from Muluk village under Hahkhati gaon panchayat in Saikhowa development block of Tinsukia district, has been rendering yeoman’s service since March 25, when the nationwide lockdown was imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
He came to Guwahati eight years ago and started a makeshift shop selling puri-sabzi near Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).
“The government has been making efforts to help the needy and the poor by providing rations but there was no plan for the people living on footpaths. Even if rice is given to them, where will they cook? So, I decided to help them. The first day I served 25 people, which has increased to 200 people now,” he said.
“Those who can afford, go to private nursing homes for treatment. The poor mostly come to GMCH for treatment from rural areas. I decided to provide them food at a minimum rate,” he said.
After serving the homeless and the people on the footpath at Ulubari, Paltan Bazar, GS Road, Beltola and other places in Guwahati, he goes to Kamakhya, Basistha and a few other temples to feed the monkeys, dogs and goats.
“The temples are also closed because of the lockdown. The animals around the temples are dependent upon us. So, we should also take care of them,” Kachhari said.
Popular singer Zubeen Garg and his wife Garima Saikia Garg have also visited his shop during functions.
Kachhari is known for his generosity and faithfulness among the people in the area. “I say if it rains, take shelter in my hotel. Only keep it clean, nothing more,” he said.
Once a student of Doomdooma College, he was known as a good football player in Tinsukia district and also won awards.
“Great job Mr Kachhari! You have a big heart. Salute! It will definitely inspire many of us to stand up with the needy and the poor in a crisis,” Nupur Das, a local said.
Appreciating his work, local resident Sahidul Islam said, “Allah will definitely reward you.”
