Serving humanity: Anita Som Parkash’s Janta Ki Rasoi & welfare efforts

In an era where acts of selflessness are becoming increasingly rare, philanthropist Anita Som Parkash continues to stand out as a beacon of compassion, dedication and unwavering service to humanity. Married to former Union Minister of State Som Parkash, she has carved her own distinct identity through consistent grassroots initiatives aimed at uplifting the underprivileged.

Actively engaged in humanitarian work since 2012, Anita Som Parkash has extended a helping hand to some of society’s most vulnerable groups—children, women and economically weaker families. Driven by a deep sense of empathy and guided by the values of kindness and equality, she has remained committed to community welfare, independent of her family’s political stature.

Over the years, she has spearheaded numerous welfare programmes that have positively impacted countless lives. Her efforts include distributing essential medicines to the needy, supporting the marriages of girls from underprivileged backgrounds, and providing free ration to families living below the poverty line. Recognising the importance of inclusion and shared celebration, she also organises free langars during major festivals, ensuring that people from all walks of life can take part in the festivities.

Among her most notable initiatives is the “Janta Ki Rasoi”, a community kitchen launched in 2017. This effort serves freshly prepared, nutritious meals to the public at a nominal cost of Rs 10, maintaining dignity while addressing food insecurity. The initiative has become a daily lifeline for many—particularly daily wage earners and labourers—and stands as a testament to her belief that true service to humanity is the highest form of devotion.

Anita Som Parkash married Som Parkash in 1977 and is a proud mother of two sons—one an accomplished MDS doctor and the other a businessman based in Canada. Despite her family’s professional achievements, she has remained grounded, channelling her time and resources into sustained humanitarian work and community development.

Her philanthropic contributions have brought tangible relief to the underprivileged and inspired many to join in the spirit of giving. Anita Som Parkash’s journey is a powerful reminder that meaningful change begins with empathy and action. Through her quiet yet impactful work, she continues to light the way for others, embodying leadership defined not by power, but by compassion and commitment.