Do Roti and a world of difference: activist’s simple recipe to tackle hunger, ignite humanity

What does it take to satiate the pangs of hunger for those who find themselves in need? Just “do roti” (two rotis). For the last decade, Azhar Maqsusi, a Hyderabad-based activist working to feed the poor, has been running the ‘Do Roti’ campaign in an effort to empathise with and assist those who cannot afford a meal.

The idea, he says, was to make it easier for donors — no large sums of money, no lugging around heavy ration packs. “All they have to do is make and carry with them two rotis from home. That way, the beneficiaries would be having the same home-made food as the donor,” Mr. Maqsusi explains.

“There were people who came to me and said they wanted to engage in charitable acts but did not have much money to spare,” says Mr. Maqsusi. “Their spirit of giving was appreciable. After giving it some thought, I began the Do Roti campaign, which, on the one hand, would not burn a hole in one’s pocket but, at the same time, bring about meaningful change.”

The focus is to give directly to those one finds at traffic signals, near hospitals, and in similar public spaces. The campaign specifically discourages giving cash, citing concerns that the money may be misused to buy intoxicants and alcohol. “We have been seeing issues with drug use. Giving food effectively removes the concern of money being misused,” he says.

The response to the campaign’s 10th year has been encouraging. Apart from Hyderabad, people from other cities such as Karimnagar and Kadapa have also contributed to making the initiative a success. Mr. Maqsusi says he has leveraged his social media reach to popularise the campaign and inspire others to join in.

“It is important to teach empathy to children. That is why I appealed to parents to make their children accompany them during the Do Roti campaign. It is really heartening to see people taking the initiative to help others. Children joined them too,” Mr. Maqsusi says, adding that even small acts of kindness can go a long way.

Published - May 29, 2025 09:07 am IST