Hyderabad: UK government awards social activist for feeding 1,500 people everyday

Syed Osman Azhar Maqsusi, a hunger activist from Hyderab was recently awarded prestigious Commonwealth Points of Light award, marking a proud moment for thousands of Indians. 41-year-old was houred for his pathbreaking ‘Hunger has religion’ initiative, through which he feeds around 1,500 people every day. Presented by British government, award recognises outstanding individuals from British Commonwealth countries who are making a change in ir communities.

In aftermath, Maqsusi said, “I thank British Deputy High Commission of Hyderab from bottom of my heart for choosing me for a ‘Commonwealth Points of Light Award’. I am extremely delighted that British Deputy High Commission have houred me with this award, this will give me more motivation and strength to help poor people”.

Maqsusi, who dubbed award as a “great hour” began his campaign in 2011 after he saw a frail old hungry woman. Realising that re must be many like her, Hyderab resident commenced his hunger drive. He started ‘Hunger has religion’ initiative in his neighbourhood with his wife cooking food for destitute for 4 to 5 months.

'Do roti' 

He n scaled up his initiative and began serving near Gandhi Hospital, located in vicinity of his home. He expanded his drive furr, taking it to or South Indian cities including Bengaluru, Raichur, Cuttack, Goalpara amongst ors. He also began ‘Do roti campaign’ asking people to carry two chapatis extra when y step out of ir homes and give it to hunger-stricken. During COVID pandemic, he distributed food parcels to people living in poverty and opened several distribution counters across Hyderab to ensure one goes hungry.

“Azhar’s contribution to society is incredible and has meant difference between a meal or meal for millions. re are many similar missions of selfless sacrifice and service, some emerging as a result of pandemic, but powerful ‘Hunger has Religion’ has run for 8 years, reaching most vulnerable and delivering a powerful underlying mess to all,” Points of Light website quoted Mr Fleming as saying.

Im: UKinHyderab/Twitter/NitinGarg/Unsplash