A simple act nourishes students

A teacher’s concern and a vendor’s generosity ensure students of six government schools enjoy fresh and sufficient vegetables every day.

A small act of kindness is making a big difference in Bantwal’s government schools. Thanks to a teacher’s observation, a vegetable vendor’s generosity and the support of the local community, students in six government schools now receive fresh and adequate vegetables in their mid-day meals every day.

It all began as a simple concern. One afternoon 10 years ago, the kitchen at the Government Higher Primary School in Maji Veerakamba near Bantwal in Dakshina Kannada district was bustling as usual. A large pot of sambar simmered, while outside, children sat in neat rows with plates, waiting to be served. But teacher Sangeetha noticed something amiss: There were too few vegetables in the sambar.

Although the official supply had not changed, it appeared insufficient. Concerned that the vegetables might not provide adequate nutrition for all the children, she decided to find a solution.

She walked to a vegetable shop in Bantwal and, standing hesitantly before the young trader, explained the situation. The school’s vegetable supply was inadequate, she said, and asked if he could help.

The vendor, Muhammed Shareef, did not hesitate. He agreed immediately and asked that someone from the school visit his shop every day to collect vegetables.

What began with one school has now grown into a larger effort. Shareef currently supplies free vegetables to six nearby government schools. While the Maji Veerakamba Government School receives around 18–20 kg of vegetables daily, the Nandavara Government School gets about 5–6 kg per day. Schools in Kelinja, Bayila, Nagri Bollai and Kanchinadka Padavu Sajipa also receive weekly supplies of vegetables.

Local residents and school staff also volunteer to help transport vegetables. Chinnu Kalladka, an alumnus of a school, delivers vegetables to three schools on his two-wheeler, while teachers either arrange transport or collect supplies themselves for two schools. Shareef delivers vegetables to the Nandavara school.

“We supply vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, beans, long yard beans and ivy gourd so that children receive proper nutrition through their mid-day meals,” says Shareef.

On average, vegetables worth Rs 1,000 reach school kitchens each day through this initiative. Despite fluctuations in market prices, Shareef’s service continues uninterrupted.

Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba made the first contribution to Muhammed Shareef’s initiative to supply free vegetables to government schools.

In addition to government schools, Shareef supplies vegetables to private schools at concessional rates. To encourage wider community participation, he has placed a donation box labelled “My contribution to government school” at his vegetable shop. The initiative received an early boost from Padma Shri awardee Harekala Hajabba, who made the first contribution.

“Great works begin with small contributions. When many hands come together, developmental work becomes easier. The work being done by Shareef is exemplary,” Hajabba said.

Shareef credits his family for their unwavering support in his social work. His father, Abdul Hameed, and brothers, Mohammed Nazeer and Miyaz, have been his pillars of strength. A few years ago, when road widening forced them to vacate their shop, the late Dr Gangadhara Rao offered them space at a concessional rent — a gesture that Shareef hopes to emulate.

Beyond mid-day meals, Shareef also provides vegetables free of cost during school events and special occasions. His work has earned praise from education officials, teachers, parents and community organisations.

“This is a small contribution towards children’s meals,” Shareef says. “If people support nearby government schools, we can improve them further.”

Lauding the service of Shareef, Bantwal in-charge BEO Malathi K says, “He is an inspiration to society at a time when people think twice to donate money. He has been supplying vegetables to government schools without expecting anything in return. I learned about his work when I visited the Government Higher Primary School in Maji Veerakamba, and I was glad to see the service he had rendered."

(Translated from Kannada by Naina J A)