Mohammad Shareef, the owner of Chandrika Vegetables in Bantwal, has been a pillar of support for local government schools for the past eight years. Shareef, whose family owns a chain of four vegetable shops, began his philanthropic journey after meeting Sangeetha Sharma, a teacher from Govt Higher Primary School, Maji, Veerakamba. Initially, Sharma requested help for her school’s midday meals, which were at risk due to poor enrollment. Shareef responded by providing 10kg of vegetables daily, including essentials like coriander leaves and lemons, and even delivered extras for special occasions.
Inspired by his childhood experiences and Independence Day speeches, Shareef decided to give back to the community. Despite his own business challenges, including high costs like Rs 100 per kg for tomatoes, Shareef continues to support three other government schools and supplies vegetables weekly to one with a smaller student count. His commitment to providing nutritious food has not only benefited the schools but has also brought him immense joy and satisfaction.
Chinna Kalladka, an old student of the Maji school, now helps in distributing the vegetables, ensuring a consistent supply. Shareef’s contributions highlight the significant impact of individual efforts in supporting education and nutrition in local communities.