Life's script took an unexpected twist for Manish Gupta when he was just 17 years old. With dreams of gracing the silver screen, he arrived in the bustling streets of Mumbai, ready to script his journey into the world of acting. But as destiny would have it, the cruel pandemic curtain fell, bringing life's hustle to a sudden standstill. Lockdown gripped the city, and Manish found himself homeless, his dreams fading against the backdrop of a footpath.

"If Sonu Sood, the actor who is involved in a lot of social work, would have not rescued me during the lockdown and helped me in reaching my hometown in Bihar’s Saharsa, I don’t know what would have happened to me. Those nights on the pavement were my darkest days. Hunger gnawed at me… I lay famished on the road for more than 15 days before I was rescued. I decided then that I wasn’t going to let this happen to anyone else."- Manish

A guiding light amidst shadows: The birth of Nageshwar-Bimala Foundation

“I took inspiration from Sonu Sood himself, and started an NGO in the name of my grandfather and grandmother. I wanted to do something for society, for poor people who need support. My organisation has impacted more than ten thousand people in over 15 villages already. Our aim is to uplift the poorest of the poor." - Manish

Established in 2022, the Nageshwar-Bimla Foundation was brought into being by a dedicated group of individuals led by Manish and Babita Kumari, a social worker with a committed non-profit entity. Their collective passion is centred on the vision of a clean and flourishing India. This ethos extends its reach to various aspects of society, embracing domains such as healthcare, elderly care, environmental cleanliness, education, and the empowerment of women.


Manish also provides employment opportunities to members belonging to the weakest rung of society. Through his organisation, widows and the homeless have been assisted with opening shops and single women have been provided with sewing machines to start a new life.

Nourishing hope: One Rupee Thali's journey to banish hunger

In the lanes of Saharsa, Bihar, Manish’s One Rupee Thali project was born – a simple meal that costs a single rupee. The project is a flagship initiative of the organisation that aims to eradicate hunger in Bihar. Rickshaw pullers and labourers, the unsung heroes of everyday life, now find solace in a plate of nourishment.

"By paying only one rupee, labourers and daily wagers who earn very little every day, can eat good food. We also feed orphans who have no one to look after them. The first kitchen was inaugurated in March 2023 in Sonbarsa, located in the Saharsa District of Bihar. Following this, the second kitchen was established in July in Bakhtiyarpur, also within the Saharsa District. Plans are underway to launch the third kitchen at Saharsa Station in September,” says Manish.

Over the course of the next year, Manish envisions the establishment of 20 additional kitchens. The primary focus will be on expanding to various districts in Bihar, alongside setting up kitchens in four to five locations within Mumbai, particularly in Andheri East and West, where he currently resides.

Just 500 rupees can fill 16 stomachs every day

A single thali, comprising a nutritious and hearty meal of vegetables, roti and rice, is prepared at a cost of approximately INR 30. With a humble contribution of INR 500, the collective impact is staggering – it can provide sustenance for 16 individuals daily. Presently, over 400 individuals in need partake in these meals every day, at each of the two kitchens.

“Every day the number of people rushing to our kitchens is on the rise. However, an urgent concern has arisen as we are not able to manage operational costs. Our daily ration constitutes a cost of ₹3000, a crucial investment in sustaining our efforts. We are struggling to pay our staff decent salaries, and also want to have a permanent roof to replace our open kitchens as food gets spoiled when it rains,” says Manish, adding, “Our operations necessitate the engagement of 100 auto rickshaws daily, facilitating the transportation and distribution of food to those in need. We do not have enough money to account for all these expenses, and need your help.”

Your support in meeting these needs ensures the continued success of this mission to provide sustenance to the poor and needy. Click here to contribute.