In Chandanki, a village in Gujarat, no one cooks food at home.
The 500-odd residents, mostly aged 60 and above, rely on a community kitchen where each one pays Rs2,000 ($30) a month for two daily meals – prepared by hired cooks who are paid Rs11,000 a month.
This initiative, spearheaded by village head Poonambhai Patel, fosters togetherness, as the meals are served in a hall that doubles as a gathering place.
It began as a solution to a growing problem of loneliness among the elderly.
Chandanki was once bustling with 1,100 residents. Most of its young people have now moved to cities or abroad, with many families migrating to the United States, Canada and Australia.
Mr Poonambhai, who spent 20 years in New York, found the villagers were lonely when he returned. He then set upon the task of restoring the community spirit.
“We started the kitchen because the elderly citizens make food only once a day,” he said. “They eat the same food in the evening and sometimes even the next morning. It is not good for their health.
“Now our Chandanki is a village that lives for each other.”
Over the years, the kitchen has improved residents’ health and social connections, reported the Times of India.
The kitchen offers a variety of traditional Gujarati dishes, ensuring both nutritional balance and variety.
For a nominal fee, villagers gain access to two meals a day, lovingly prepared by hired cooks. From hearty dal and fragrant vegetables to crispy rotis, the menu boasts a delightful array of traditional Gujarati dishes, ensuring both sustenance and satisfaction.
Meals are served in a solar-powered air-conditioned hall, where people gather to share their joys and sorrows – creating a strong bond.
Mr Ramesh Patel, 73, who moved from Ahmedabad to Chandanki after retirement, said: “My son Jigar lives in Australia and we have many elders like me in the village.
“To beat loneliness, we have our meals together. Soon, we will have a park too.”
The idea of a community kitchen was initially met with skepticism. But, as the benefits became evident, more villagers embraced it. The kitchen has given the elderly more time to rest and engage in other activities.
In Chandanki, food isn’t just sustenance; it’s a thread that weaves together the fabric of community spirit and shared values. This isn’t just about eating; it’s a daily celebration of togetherness.
