A lifelong mission to feed the needy

True service often grows from simple advice and deep conviction.

The story of Singareddy Govardhan Reddy reflects how one personal lesson can evolve into a sustained humanitarian effort.

Govardhan Reddy, a businessman from Kadapa, has dedicated more than a decade to feeding the hungry.

Guided by his mother’s advice, he chose food as his medium of service. She believed that helping the hungry creates a lasting impact, unlike financial aid that is quickly forgotten.

For the past 12 years, he has followed this principle with consistency. Every Monday, he serves meals to people who arrive at the Kadapa Collectorate to submit petitions.

What began as a small initiative has now become a weekly system that feeds hundreds.

The effort started after he sought guidance from his mother, S. Adinarayanamma. Her words shaped his philosophy of service.

She advised him that hunger should be addressed first, as it reflects the most immediate human need. This advice became the foundation of his mission.

Each week, around 1,000 people are served meals including rice, dal, curry, rasam, buttermilk, and other simple dishes.

The food is prepared in a dedicated kitchen setup managed through one of his educational institutions. The initiative costs around ₹30,000 per session, yet continues without interruption.

Importantly, the service extends beyond petitioners. Auto drivers, hospital visitors, and government staff also benefit from the meals.

Over time, the programme has gained recognition and appreciation from several district officials, further strengthening its continuity.

During the pandemic, the service temporarily shifted from the Collectorate to hospitals, ensuring that patients and attendants were not left hungry. Even in difficult conditions, the initiative remained active in some form.

At its core, this effort is rooted in a simple belief: feeding a hungry person brings deeper satisfaction than any other form of charity.

Govardhan Reddy continues to follow his mother’s guidance, treating service not as duty but as a lifelong commitment.

Image Credit: Anjanadevib, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Andhra_Combo_Meal.JPG