Shashank shekhar 
Roti Day: Spreading Love Through Food
The world is a diverse place, with some people enjoying the luxuries of life, while others struggle to make ends meet. While some indulge in lavish celebrations of Valentine’s Day, others struggle to feed themselves. It is this contrast that inspired Kunal Ravindra Chavan, a young man from a small village in Maharashtra, to start the Roti Day initiative in 2018.
Kunal Chavan was just 19 years old when he founded the Yuva Asmita Foundation in Pune. The foundation is dedicated to empowering the youth of India and creating a better future for the underprivileged. Kunal’s first experience with the harsh reality of poverty came when he saw an elderly woman sleeping on the footpath, hungry and alone. It was this encounter that sparked the idea for Roti Day.
Celebrating Valentine’s Day with loved ones is a cherished tradition for many, but Kunal Chavan saw an opportunity to expand the celebration of love to include those who often feel neglected and forgotten. He decided to celebrate the day by providing food to the poor and underprivileged, naming the initiative “Roti Day.” His idea was simple yet powerful – to feed every hungry person he could find on that day.
Roti Day is now an annual event that takes place every year on February 14th. The Yuva Asmita Foundation, under Kunal’s leadership, organizes the event across Maharashtra and in other states. The foundation mobilizes volunteers to distribute food to the needy, bringing joy and nourishment to the people who need it most.
Kunal Chavan’s efforts have been recognized and appreciated by many, including Dr. Shindhu Tai Sapal, popularly known as Maai, a conferred Padma Shri in 2021 and recipient of the Mother Teresa Award. Maai has praised Kunal Chavan’s efforts, calling him an idol for youth. Kunal’s initiative has inspired many to take action and spread love through food.
Roti Day is not just about providing food to the needy, but also about creating awareness about poverty and hunger. It is a call to action for everyone to take a step towards building a more equitable society. Kunal Chavan’s initiative has created a ripple effect of kindness and compassion, inspiring others to take action and make a difference.
The impact of Roti Day has been felt by many, including those who have volunteered to distribute food, those who have received the food, and those who have been inspired to start their own initiatives. It is a reminder that we can all make a difference, no matter how small our actions may seem.
In conclusion, Roti Day is a beautiful example of how a small act of kindness can create a ripple effect of positivity and change. Kunal Chavan’s initiative has brought hope and nourishment to the underprivileged, and his efforts have inspired many to take action and make a difference in their own communities. The world needs more people like Kunal Chavan, who are dedicated to making the world a better place, one Roti at a time.
