The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : The milk of kindness continues to flow

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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

The milk of kindness continues to flow

K. Manikandan

Buttermilk shed at Chromepet

The shed was an instant hit as dozens of people lined up to have a couple of glasses of the beverage

— Photo : A. Muralitharan

People having a glass of refreshing buttermilk at Chromepet on Wednesday.

TAMBARAM: On Wednesday, dozens of commuters waiting at the bus shelter in Chromepet under the sweltering summer heat were in for a pleasant surprise when they were offered a refreshing glass of freshly churned buttermilk on the house.

For the third year in succession, Shree Gayathri Trust, set up the free buttermilk shed at the Chromepet bus stand. G. Raghavan, managing trustee, said the Trust planned to run the ‘neer more pandal’ for at least 45 days.

The Trust has made its presence felt in Chromepet and nearby areas for its voluntary service in cremation, including that of unclaimed bodies. The idea to start this buttermilk shed was given by one of its well wishers in 2006. “There is nothing greater than service to people around us, particularly when it is voluntary,” Mr. Raghavan said.

The cost of building the temporary shed, buttermilk and curd rice, which is also distributed free to people, are met from the contributions made by donors, mostly senior citizens, to the Trust. About 35 litres of milk a day is bought and curdled overnight. Then, freshly procured ginger, curry leaves, coriander and cucumber are chopped and added to it along with the required water, asafoetida and salt.

Pallavaram Municipal Chairman E. Karunanidhi inaugurated the buttermilk shed on Wednesday and assured a supply of the required quantity of Palar water. The shed was an instant hit as dozens of commuters, passers-by, two-wheeler riders and autorickshaw and car drivers lined up to gulp down a couple of glasses of the beverage.

Volunteers also serve water from earthen pots that have a distinctive taste as ‘vettiver’ herb is added to it.

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