Akshay Kothawale is a 30-year-old auto driver in Pune whose wedding was scheduled for May 25 this year for which he saved Rs.2 lakh. However, he and his fiance decided to postpone the wedding due to the COVID-19 pandemic at this point.
But what makes Akshay special?
He was pained to see the plight of the migrant workers due to no work, and no income. Instead of being a silent spectator, he decided to do something about it. Akshay, along with some of his friends, set up a kitchen with that Rs.2 Lakh he saved for his wedding. They started cooking food in that kitchen and distributed it to the needy at several places in Pune. They fed around 400 poor people every day.
Not only that. In between all these, Akshay’s father also passed away on May 18 this year due to a heart attack. However, nothing could dent the spirit of this young man.
Akshay and his friends have set up loudspeakers on his auto and started moving around the streets of Pune. Why? To inform the needy all about his free food initiative, and creating awareness about staying safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.
His good work started spreading. After knowing how Akshay is reaching out to the needy, people started opening up their wallets and started donating towards empowering his mission.
“I have received around Rs.6 lakh from people across the country. I am very grateful for the warm and kind gesture shown by people who, after reading about our initiative, came forward and lent a helping hand,” he said to PTI as mentioned in the NDTV report.
With the funds received from the public, they have now purchased essential grocery items from the wholesale market, and along with the cooked food, they are planning to distribute ration kits to the needy families.
Wait, there is more to him.
Akshay also provides a free auto ride to pregnant women and old citizens who need to see the doctors for any emergencies.
Such compassion and acts of kindness, even by one individual, can make a huge difference to society, and the country at large.
Every nation needs heroes like Akshay Kothawale. Kudos!!!