– Sajida A. Zubair
In the heart of Bengaluru, an organization known as ‘Serving Humanity’ is significantly impacting the lives of the less fortunate. Founded on September 15, 2023, this NGO has rapidly expanded its initiatives from distributing food packets to empowering and supporting families.
Speaking to Radiance News, Secretary Syed Ehsaan Karim said, “Inspired by a local NGO, Serving Humanity began with a simple yet powerful mission of distributing food every Friday to slum dwellers and other deserving individuals. In its inaugural week, the organization, with limited funds, managed to distribute about 30 food packets. Our motivation comes from the verse in the Holy Quran, ‘…and give food to the poor, the orphan, and the captive.”
He added, “We are an organization dedicated to feeding people, upholding the rights of individuals, and following the ‘Baitulmaal’ culture of Islam. We noticed many discrepancies at some places around us, as these concepts are often exploited in and around our city. Through Serving Humanity, we aim to extend help to the neediest people in and around Bengaluru.”
Every Friday, volunteers target different locations, ensuring that aid reaches a broad spectrum of individuals. This consistent effort has provided sustenance and built a sense of community and trust among recipients.
Soon the organization started assembling and distributing ration kits, which include essential food supplies designed to last a family for a month or more. These kits provide more than just temporary relief – they offer a lifeline to families striving to achieve stability.
The overarching goal is to uplift individuals and families, helping them move towards self-sufficiency and stability.
The latest and perhaps most transformative initiative of ‘Serving Humanity’ is small business empowerment. Grounded in the philosophy of “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime,” this program aims to provide long-term solutions to poverty.
Through this initiative, the NGO identifies deserving individuals and offers them both moral and financial support to start or expand their small businesses. This empowerment enables individuals to become economically independent, fostering sustainable development and long-term stability in their communities.
Vice President Khysar Jabeen said, “The thought of helping the less fortunate inspired me to join Serving Humanity. Each drive brings immense satisfaction, from tackling hunger and covering students’ fees to paying hospital bills, building homes for orphans, and setting up small businesses. With our dedicated team, we aim to achieve even more, In Sha Allah.”
The true impact of the NGO’s work is reflected in the smiles and gratitude of those they help. From the immediate relief provided by food packets to the enduring support offered through business empowerment, ‘Serving Humanity’ is creating meaningful change in the lives of many.
The team conducts ground surveys and background checks to ensure aid reaches the most deserving and needy individuals. Since its inception in 2023, the team has successfully served over 8,600 meal boxes, distributed more than 440 ration kits, provided financial aid for 15 empowerment cases, and covered 40 locations.
‘Serving Humanity’ stands as a testament to what can be achieved when compassion and action come together. The dream is to create a self-sustaining model where today’s beneficiaries become tomorrow’s benefactors, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
[The writer is Counselor-IPERC]
