Chennai: It has been three days since the implementation of lockdown, the 12 member team at the Amma Unavagam at Kamarajapuram is working tirelessly to serve the people.
When the announcement about lockdown was made, people from economically weaker section were worried about what they will do for their food. However, the announcement of the functioning of Amma Unavagam came as a huge relief.
Speaking to News Today, the canteen’s supervisor Kala said, “We have stocked provisions for one month and buy vegetables as and when needed. As of now there is no hindrance to carry out our job. We have always focussed on quality and with so many people dependant on us now, we have ensured that we give it our best every meal. Our team is completely briefed about the importance of personal hygiene. We usually work wearing masks and now we wash hands regularly.”
She said on an average atleast 2,500 idlis are sold everyday.”During the lunch 1,500 meals are given. These are three times the usual numbers. We start cooking at 4.30 am and serve the people at 7 am. Lunch is served from 12 noon till at least 4 pm. Sambar rice, lemon rice and curd rice is given during the lunch,” she added..
Kala said that the present team has been working here since 2015.”We have worked through the Chennai floods 2015 and Vardah cyclone. So working at critical times is not new to our team,” she said.
Even though we give only parcels, everyone who comes inside is made to wash their hands.”The Sembakkam Municipality staffs help us in cooridnating the crowd. The people who come here also cooperate with us without causing much trouble,” she said and added that the people are very understanding and some appreciate our work which motivates us even more.
“Those who come in the morning also come back for lunch which makes us happy. We also tell the people about the importance of handwashing and social distancing,” Kala said.
She further said, “though people at our home are reluctant and worried about us, we feel that it is our duty and we are more than happy to serve.”
Most of are residing very close to the vicinity and hence travelling is not a problem. Kandhan, who was waiting to get his breakfast said, “I am a daily wager and when the lockdown was announced, I was in complete shock. I did not know what I was going to do for food. But I am glad that the Amma Unavagams are working. I am able to feed my family and the quality of the food is also good. In the past three days I have not seen anyone going empty handed after coming here.”