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In 2000, after returning to India post successful career runs abroad, Venkatraman Iyer and his wife, Vijaya, felt a deep desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
“There was a moment that changed everything for us. We met a young mother, just 16, with two children. She had nowhere to go, no food to feed her little ones, and was turned away by NGOs because both her children’s parents were still alive. Hunger had pushed her to the brink, and she was ready to give up on life. That shook us deeply. Her story made us realize we had to create a place where women and children in such desperate situations could find hope, dignity, and the basic means to survive."-Venkatraman
This moment planted the seeds of Swabhimaan, a charitable trust the couple founded to uplift marginalized communities in Bengaluru. What began as a modest effort to help a handful of people has since grown into a life-changing initiative that impacts hundreds every day.
‘Growing up in a low-income household taught us the pain of hunger’
Venkatraman’s journey to social service was shaped by his childhood struggles and the heartbreaking realities he witnessed on his return from working abroad, including the stark contrast between wealth and poverty in India. He was struck by the sight of families living in abject poverty, with children begging for food on the streets, women and elderly people struggling to survive with limited access to basic needs, and the deep-rooted inequality that marginalized entire communities. These difficult realities left a lasting impact on him, fuelling his desire to make a meaningful difference.
"When I came back to India, the glaring inequality was impossible to ignore. That’s when my wife and I decided that we must give back while we still can."- Venkatraman
Rather than being overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenges, the couple focused on the needs of their immediate community. Over the years, their grassroots approach revealed that food insecurity and the lack of dignity in daily survival were recurring themes, particularly for women and children.
Feeding minds and futures
One of Swabhimaan’s cornerstone programs is its breakfast initiative, providing fresh, nutritious meals to over 800 individuals in Bengaluru’s Rajendra Nagar slum area daily. Schoolchildren, senior citizens, and working women rely on these meals to sustain their day."When a child walks into a classroom hungry, they are already defeated for the day. How can we expect them to learn, concentrate, or dream of a better future if they haven’t had a single decent meal?"- Venkatraman
These meals, consisting of idlis, ragi balls, and simple rice dishes, are more than just tummy-filling; they are an investment in breaking the cycle of poverty. For working women and elderly community members, the meals represent dignity and stability in an otherwise precarious life.
Beyond its breakfast program, Swabhimaan also combats food waste. The trust collects surplus food from events and corporates, redistributing it to feed over 1,000 individuals each evening. This initiative not only ensures that fewer people go to bed hungry but also addresses a critical environmental issue.
"This isn’t just about feeding stomachs. It’s about saving food that would otherwise go to waste, ensuring every bite reaches someone in need."- Venkatraman
Empowering women through livelihood
The ripple effect of Swabhimaan’s efforts extends beyond meals. The trust employs women from the community as skilled cooks, providing them with financial independence and a sense of purpose."These women are at the heart of the program, preparing meals with care and ensuring they meet nutritional standards. They’re not just feeding their community. They’re building futures for their own families."- Venkatraman
‘You can help end hunger and change lives’
Running Swabhimaan’s programs comes with significant financial challenges. The annual cost of the breakfast initiative alone is ₹54 lakhs."This is a seven-day, 365-day commitment. Unlike schools that shut on weekends or other programs that can pause, hunger doesn’t take a break. We appeal to those who resonate with this mission to contribute. Each contribution will go toward providing essential meals for schoolchildren, elderly citizens, and women striving to regain stability in their lives.”- Venkatraman
A significant portion of the funds will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of fresh breakfasts to over 800 individuals daily and support the redistribution of surplus food to 1,000 more.
"With your help, we can continue to nourish lives, uphold dignity, and create opportunities for those trapped in despair. Every rupee invested brings hope to someone in need. Together, we can ensure no one is left behind."- Venkatraman
Click here to contribute.
