Bengal professor's initiative provides meals and education to children
Chandrashekhar Kundu's organisation, FEED, now supports nearly 180 children and operates more than 20 free learning centres.
West Bengal professor Chandrashekhar Kundu has expanded an initiative that provides meals and educational support to children, according to a report by the Times of India. His organisation, Food, Education and Economic Development (FEED), currently reaches nearly 180 children with meals and runs more than 20 free learning centres.
The initiative began in July 2015 after Kundu observed children searching through a garbage dump for food following his son's birthday celebration. A computer science teacher at an engineering college in Asansol, Kundu initially collected surplus food from the college canteen to distribute to children near the railway station.
FEED was formally established in 2016 and has partnered with organisations including IIM Calcutta, Vesuvius India, and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). To address hygiene concerns regarding stored leftovers, the organisation introduced community kitchens where volunteers prepare fresh meals.
In 2018, the group launched 'Boi Toi Hoi Choi', a free coaching school initiative. These centres provide academic support and evening meals to children, many of whom come from families involved in daily-wage labour or stone quarry work.
The organisation's work includes the Bengal Tigress programme for football training for tribal girls and the Matangini Vahini programme for karate and self-defence. FEED also engages local community members by employing village women in kitchens and educated youth as teachers at the learning centres.