Compassion, not money, is what this mess is run on

Walking right into a small mess at Gandhi Square in Poonithura, the very first thing that pulls consideration is an previous crimson postbox at a location the place a traditional eatery would have had its money counter.

Soon it emerges that the place has no cashier and that the postbox on the wall doubles up because the money field or a donation field as one perceives it.

The postbox shows the nominal fares for breakfast, lunch, and tea and snack, with a message on the facet assuring that each additional coin will go to the deserving. But that exhibition of fares is extra of a formality because the mess being run on the licence of a now-defunct canteen of an Ayurveda Centre that makes such a show obligatory.

Customers are free to pay these precise fares, extra, much less, and even pay nothing if they can not afford it.

Capuchin Ashram

“The underlying concept is one of sharing and compassion and even the postbox, which is associated with our nostalgic memories, was chosen to evoke those soft sentiments. That we are able to run consistently means that those who can afford are paying more, thus feeding the ones who cannot. This is a model that can be emulated by anyone, especially youngsters with a drive, as it can be run even from one’s house or a portion of a shop,” stated Fr. Bobby Jose who got here up with the thought and runs the mess with assist of fellow Franciscan clergymen underneath the aegis of the Capuchin Shanthi Ashram. Sure sufficient, persons are getting impressed as a hotelier in Kaloor is planning to implement it partially.

The mess is being run for mounted hours within the morning (7.30 a.m. to 9 a.m.), afternoon (12.30 p.m. to 2 p.m.) and night (4 p.m. to five p.m.). The self-service mess has no plan to compete with standard eateries because it stays service-oriented.

“We offer a frugal and nutrient vegetarian lunch in hygienic surroundings for around 60 people. Already, we have regulars who want to support the cause and gradually their number will increase once the flow of the curious lot subsides, which for sure will,” stated Fr. Jose. And this he believes will construct camaraderie and kinship amongst regulars, which is additionally amongst one of many goals of the initiative.

Sujith, a personal firm worker, is among the many dedicated lot and not too long ago he introduced his boss, initially from a north Indian State however settled right here for lengthy, to the mess. The boss was impressed and Sujith was buoyed.

And thus a message is handed on — of compassion, kindness, and humanity.