In the bustling town of Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, where the Ganges flows and trains rumble through the A-category Ballia Railway Station, thousands pass by daily—travelers, workers, and families. But among them are those often unseen: the homeless, living on the streets with no support, no shelter, and no certainty of their next meal. At Ek Koshish Manavta Ke Naam, we believe no one should go to bed hungry. Since 2020, our mission has been to serve hot, nutritious meals to the most vulnerable, including those living on Ballia’s streets, offering not just food but a moment of dignity and care.
The Plight of the Homeless in Ballia
Ballia is a vibrant hub, with its railway station serving 92 trains and connecting countless lives. Yet, for the homeless—many of whom are daily wage laborers, elderly individuals, or displaced families—the streets near the station or the District Hospital are often their only home. Hunger is a constant companion, worsened by poverty, lack of access to resources, and social isolation. The COVID-19 pandemic, which hit in 2020, deepened this crisis, leaving many without work or support. While the world has moved forward, the homeless in Ballia still face the same stark reality: finding food is a daily struggle.
Our founder, Shiv Ji Gupta, witnessed this pain firsthand during the pandemic. Moved by the sight of people scavenging for scraps or waiting helplessly outside hospitals, he started Ek Koshish Manavta Ke Naam to provide free, hygienic meals to those in need. Today, we serve 150–200 meals daily, many of which reach the homeless near Ballia Railway Station and the District Hospital, ensuring they receive nourishment and a touch of humanity.
Our Mission: Hot, Nutritious Meals for the Homeless
At Ek Koshish Manavta Ke Naam, our hunger relief program for the homeless is simple yet profound: we serve hot, freshly prepared meals to those living on the streets, free of cost. Each meal—typically including rice, dal, vegetables, and rotis—is crafted with care in our kitchen, prioritizing hygiene and nutrition. We believe food is more than sustenance; it’s a symbol of hope, a reminder that someone cares.
Our team, supported by dedicated volunteers and local donors, distributes these meals at key locations where the homeless gather:
Ballia Railway Station: A transit hub where many homeless individuals seek shelter or temporary respite, often arriving with nothing but hunger.
District Hospital: A place where families and individuals, unable to afford food while seeking medical care, find themselves stranded.
These locations are strategic, allowing us to reach those who need help most. Whether it’s an elderly woman with no family, a laborer who hasn’t earned enough for a meal, or a child living on the streets, our meals offer immediate relief and a moment of connection.
Community Support: Ballia’s Heart in Action
What makes our work possible is the unwavering support of Ballia’s community. Local donors provide grains, vegetables, and funds, while volunteers help prepare and distribute meals. From shopkeepers to farmers, the people of Ballia have embraced Ek Koshish Manavta Ke Naam as a shared mission. This community-driven model ensures sustainability, allowing us to continue serving the homeless even as economic challenges persist in the region.
We’re also inspired by similar efforts, like those by Roti Bank and Lion’s Club, which collaborated with North Eastern Railway to distribute food during festivals like Chhath Puja in 2023. These partnerships show the power of collective action, and we’re open to collaborating with local authorities or organizations to expand our reach.
Why Hunger Relief for the Homeless Matters
Hunger is more than a physical need; it’s a barrier to survival, health, and hope. For the homeless in Ballia, a single meal can mean the difference between despair and determination. By providing hot, nutritious meals, we address immediate needs while laying the foundation for long-term change. Our work aligns with broader goals of poverty alleviation and social inclusion, ensuring the most vulnerable are not forgotten.
Ballia’s recent economic shifts, like ONGC’s crude oil discovery in Sagarpali village, may bring development, but the homeless remain on the margins. Our hunger relief program is a reminder that progress must include everyone, especially those with no voice.
How You Can Help
The fight against hunger is a collective effort, and we invite you to join Ek Koshish Manavta Ke Naam in bringing hope to Ballia’s homeless. Here’s how you can make a difference:
Donate: Your contribution, whether grains, vegetables, or funds, helps us serve more meals. Even a small donation can feed a family for a day.
Volunteer: Join our team to prepare or distribute meals, connecting directly with those we serve.
Spread the Word: Share our mission on social media with #EkKoshishImpact or #BalliaHungerRelief to inspire others.
Together, we can ensure no one in Ballia goes to bed hungry. Every meal is a step toward a more compassionate community.
The homeless in Ballia are not just statistics; they are people with stories, dreams, and struggles. At Ek Koshish Manavta Ke Naam, we’re committed to serving them, one hot meal at a time. But we can’t do it alone. Join us today to make a tangible impact—because every plate we serve is a promise of hope.
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Ek Koshish Manavta Ke Naam is a Ballia-based NGO founded in 2020, dedicated to providing free, nutritious meals to the poor, including the homeless, at Ballia Railway Station and the District Hospital. Learn more about our work and how you can support us at ekkosismanavatakenaam.org