The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Free buttermilk at Chromepet bus-stop

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 03, 2007
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Free buttermilk at Chromepet bus-stop

K. Manikandan

FOR BEATING THE HEAT: Free buttermilk and curd rice being distributed to commuters waiting at the Chromepet bus-stop by volunteers of Shree Gayethri Trust. — Photo: A. Muralitharan.

TAMBARAM : Which is the best drink to beat the summer heat? Tender coconut, buttermilk, fresh fruit juice or just plain water? There might be divided opinions, but at Chromepet bus-stop, waiting commuters will give their unanimous vote for freshly churned buttermilk.

Spiced with a perfect blend of curry leavers, coriander, asafetida (perungayam), ginger and salt, a glassful of aromatic buttermilk comes absolutely free. For the second successive year, Shree Gayethri Trust, run by a retired Central Government employee, and assisted mostly by senior citizens, has started its free `neer moru pandhal' or buttermilk shed.

G.Raghavan, who founded the Trust in 1983, admits that he started the shed a little late this year. In 2006, it was opened in the first week of April. This year's thirst-relief service began with the opening of the buttermilk shed by E. Karunanidhi, Pallavaram Municipal Chairman.

He assured the Trust of supplying 300 litres of Palar water daily.

The Trust volunteers buy 25 litres of milk, curdle it overnight and prepare it in time when the heat wave begins in the forenoon. The expenses are met with contributions from donors who have been supporting the Trust.

"We do it as a means to serve the people," Mr. Raghavan said when asked what prompted him to the benevolent act. Among the first donors was social worker V. Santhanam, who gave Rs. 5,000 in connection with the 88th birthday of one of his relatives.

A "value addition" this year is the curd rice handed over in `dhonnais' or leaf cups. Soon, they would also start distributing `paanagam' by mixing lime, jaggery and elaichi in water. Cool water from earthen pots with `vettiver' dipped in it will also be available soon. People who wish to assist the Trust can contact: 94440 22033.

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