Meet Khichdi Aaji: Parkinson's Fighter On Mission To Feed Patients In Need

Kiran Kamdar, also known as Khichdi Aaji, started Khichdi Bank during the second wave of COVID-19 in 2021 to feed hospital patients in need. Kamdar, who has Parkinson's disease, cooks 22 kg of khichdi daily for over 100 patients. In a conversation with SheThePeople, Kamdar shared about her mission, and how her dedication has earned her love, support, and numerous awards, proving that strong willpower can overcome any challenge.

Meet Khichdi Aaji: Woman On A Mission To Feed The Needy

"My mom started Khichdi Bank in 2021, during the second wave of COVID. We were visiting a friend at a government hospital during the second wave of COVID when mom realised the patients were not getting proper food. It moved her. Without wasting any time, she rushed to the dean of the hospital and convinced the authorities to let her feed vegetable khichdi to all the patients daily, for free.

The work, however, was not easy. Everyone in the family was worried: ‘How are we going to do this?’ ‘Cooking so much every day can affect your health.’ There were so many concerns, but mom said, ‘This is what I want to do. I want to help these people.’

My mom suffers from Parkinson's disease, because of which her whole body shivers. She used to be very active. Her doctor advised her not to do this, but she had already made up her mind.

It’s been 3 years since then, and every day she cooks about 22 kg of khichdi and feeds it to 100+ patients. She is no less than an angel for many patients who do not have any family to look after them. Once, an uncle held my mother’s hand and said, "Beta tum bohot nek kaam kar rahi ho/tum mere liye bhagwan ho.” That’s when she knew she was not just distributing food; she was feeding the ones who needed it the most. From pregnant women to kids and patients, she feeds them all.

Over the years, people have showered her with love and support. Many platforms have even awarded her for her dedication to helping the needy out there. She is not just my mother, but an inspiration and a reminder that age is just a number and no disease can stop you from doing what you want to do if you have strong willpower."

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