Many people might think feeding hundreds every day is impossible, yet for Rifleman Sakti Paul, it has become a way of life. A soldier by profession and a humanitarian by heart, Sakti has dedicated himself to running a community kitchen that feeds over 600 people daily in Kolkata and North Bengal. His story is one of resilience, empathy, and unwavering commitment to humanity.

From Hunger to Heart: The Roots of Compassion

Sakti Paul’s journey began with his own experience of hunger. Raised in a poor family, he knew the pain of skipping meals, of going to bed without food, and of the gnawing uncertainty that comes with poverty. Those early struggles shaped his understanding of need and instilled in him a desire to help others. Five years ago, while returning from duty in the Indian Army, Sakti encountered an elderly man lying on the street, starving and thirsty. The sight transported him back to his own childhood and reminded him of the days when he had no meals to eat. That moment was transformative. He realized that he could not stand by and watch others suffer when he had the ability to act.

The Birth of Re 1 Janta Kitchen

Motivated by compassion, Sakti started the Re 1 Janta Kitchen, offering meals to those in need for just one rupee. The nominal charge was symbolic; it preserved the dignity of those receiving the food while ensuring accessibility. From humble beginnings cooking biryani in his own kitchen, Sakti expanded to prepare dal, rice, vegetables, and other meals, serving hundreds of people every day. Operating outside three hospitals in Kolkata and North Bengal, the kitchen has become a lifeline for patients, families, and daily wage workers who cannot always afford a proper meal. Even the pandemic could not halt Sakti’s mission; he continued serving hot meals when the need was greatest.

Growing Support and Expanding Impact

Sakti’s mission has inspired those around him. Community members, recognizing his selfless work, have contributed support through donations and volunteering. His workplace now grants him Fridays off, allowing him to teach children at the school he established in Siliguri. Beyond meals, Sakti has started a clothes bank to provide clothing for the underprivileged and runs a school where over 70 children now receive an education. These initiatives demonstrate his holistic approach to community welfare—not just feeding the body, but nurturing minds and spirits.

Challenges on the Path of Service

Despite his dedication, Sakti’s journey has not been easy. Early on, he faced opposition at home. His wife, Gitika, initially struggled to understand why he spent his salary feeding others while their own family struggled to make ends meet. Basic necessities like milk and nutrition for their 18-month-old baby were often scarce. Yet, Sakti’s unwavering faith in his purpose and belief that his actions were guided by God kept him moving forward. Today, Gitika has become an active partner in his mission, cooking, preparing meals, and helping distribute food alongside him. Their teamwork exemplifies the human connection at the heart of Sakti’s work: love, trust, and shared commitment to serving others.

A Legacy of Service

Sakti Paul’s journey is more than a story of feeding the hungry; it is a testament to the power of empathy, resilience, and human connection. Through the Re 1 Janta Kitchen and the Unique Foundation, Sakti continues to turn his childhood struggle with hunger into a life-saving force for others. In a world often defined by challenges and hardship, he reminds us that the simplest acts of kindness—a warm meal, a helping hand, or an open heart—can change lives forever.