Sai Annapurna’s free meals bring hope to Dharamsala hospital

Since November 28, 2022, Sri Sathya Sai Annapurna has been serving free evening meals to attendants of patients at Zonal Hospital, Dharamsala. What began as the effort of a small group of devotees has, over three years, grown into a structured and deeply valued community initiative.

Every day, between 7 pm and 8 pm, volunteers from the Sri Sathya Sai Youth and local devotees gather to serve wholesome food with compassion. Inspired by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s teaching — “Nar Seva is Narayan Seva” (service to man is service to God) — the programme not only nourishes attendants but also uplifts spirits during difficult times.

The initiative has steadily drawn support from the local community. Residents often sponsor meals to mark birthdays, anniversaries or in memory of loved ones. Just yesterday, local resident Pradeep Katoch, along with his family and fellow Rotarians, sponsored and personally served a meal. They hailed the project as “unique in many ways”, commending the Sri Sathya Sai Dharamshala Samiti and Sri Sathya Sai Educare Vidya Pratishthan for sustaining it.

For families, the service is a blessing. Sanjiv, a resident of Shahpur whose father is admitted, shared his gratitude: “The food served near the wards allows us to stay close to our patients and is a huge relief.”