During an annadanam distribution event.
Seven hundred and fifty days might not sound like a really lengthy period of time as it meets the ear. If one treated it to some conversion math, it has a different ring to it: how does well over two years sound? And how does a charity feeding programme, averaging 200 parcels of food every day for as many mouths for well over two years, sound? To most pairs of ears, that would sound like a significant expenditure and a mammoth commitment. And it certainly is both of those things.D.M. Prakash, a resident of Teynampet, has been carrying out this act of charity, annadanam (free meal programme) around his home in Teynampet, for well over two years, on the trot and July 22 would mark the 750th day of this initiative, done non-stop.This marathon exercise, Prakash has been carrying out with the support of his brother D.M. Suresh who is based in the United States, helps foot soldiers: autorickshaw drivers, delivery personnel, frontline workers and anyone with a hungry stomach and a shallow pocket. The menu would change during the week, covering a weekly cycle of vegetable briyani, coconut rice, lemon rice, pudhina rice, channa rice and Tomato rice.Prakash wants to make the 750th day of the charity really memorable and so, those who would arrive for lunch, would not receive parcels of food, but be served food with volunteers waiting on them. For this to happen, he had to shift the daily annadanam away from his home. Prakash is organising it near Semmozhi Poonga. And 2,500 people will receive annadanam on the 750th day. The highlight of the event would be the presence of Thousand Lights MLA and Speaker of Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly J.C.D. Prabhakar. Prakash points out the 750th day annadannam programme would also mark the continuing birthday celebrations of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay.Prakash, who is an advocate, is also the president of a group that has socially aware members from the Vanniyar and Dalit communities working together towards social change. Published - July 18, 2026 06:08 pm IST
