Alappuzha: Snehajalakam, a pain and palliative care unit associated with CPM, will open its Janakeeya Bhakshanasala (popular restaurant) at Pathirapally here on Saturday, where people can have food free of cost. The first of its kind in the state, the restaurant will be inaugurated in the presence of local legislator and Finance Minister Dr T.M. Thomas Isaac. Dr. Isaac, who initiated the idea, said anyone could come to the shop and eat.
"If your pocket allows, you can donate at the box set up there. If you have nothing to contribute, we are happy with your cheers. The shop will be open to the public to eat around a table with like-minded people.” According to the minister, the restaurant is equipped with a kitchen having the capacity to prepare food for at least 2000 people at a time. The state-of-the-art kitchen was set up by spending Rs 11.25 lakh. A garbage disposal plant and water purifying system has been made available.
“The land for the restaurant was given by a volunteer A. Raju. To meet the vegetable needs, an organic vegetable garden has been set up on 2.5 acres of land owned by Sajeevan, adjacent to the restaurant," the minister said. Jayan Thomas, Aryad Block Panchayat member said that they were getting a great response from local people to sponsor food. “We have already received sponsorship promises for Rs 22.76 lakh”, he said.
Snehajalakam , formed four years ago, has been providing food free of cost to around 400 people in the four panchayats of Mararikulam Thekku, Muhamma, Mannanchery, and Aryad. Apart from this, it has initiated an e-health programme and the services of doctors to bedridden patients.
