This Odisha man turns hunger warrior for destitute

Khariar: Meet this Odisha man who finds immense pleasure in feeding underprivileged, destitute, and differently-abled persons. And he has been doing this for the last 18 years.

Rajesh Kumar Podha of Lalsahebpada in Khariar of Nuapada district developed the penchant for this social service when he was appalled to see a mentally-challenged man rummaging for food in a garbage bin and later eating the same. From the very next day, he started bringing food from his house for the ill-fated man. The joy of feeding him and few other mentally-challenged destitute made Rajesh continue this philanthropic initiative ever since.

Rajesh, whose life revolves around his wife Haripriya and two kids, runs a pathology laboratory to eke out a living.  After working in the lab till 12 noon, Rajesh peddles to temples, hotels and some houses in Khariar area to collect leftover food and distribute the same among the needy.

His wife Haripriya, who is proud of her kind-hearted husband, can be seen sometimes joining hands in the social service. The couple says they will continue this service till their last breath.