Tag Archives: Sani Welfare Foundation

Hyderabad’s hunger warrior honoured with UK award

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Azhar says he was poor himself when he started the initiative. He is still working from Hyderabad because he feels that hunger has swelled after the lockdown. 

Azhar Maqsusi, a social activist from the city, whose initiative ‘Hunger Has No Religion’ by Sani Welfare Foundation feeds about 1,500 people every day in five cities across the country was granted the United Kingdoms Commonwealth Points of Light Award recently. The award recognises outstanding individual volunteers – people who are making a change in their community.

“Azhar’s contribution to society is incredible and has meant the difference between a meal or no meal for millions. There are many similar missions of selfless sacrifice and service, some emerging as a result of the pandemic, but the powerful ‘Hunger has no Religion’ has run for eight years, reaching the most vulnerable and delivering a powerful underlying message to all. I cannot be happier for him and members of the Sani Welfare Foundation,” said Dr Andrew Fleming, British Deputy High Commissioner, Hyderabad.

“I am thankful that I have been chosen by the almighty to feed people. I have fed the poor for 10 years now and will continue this until hunger is eradicated,” Maqsusi said. “I am also thankful for the support of my family, friends and others who have recognised my service,” he added. Azhar says he was poor himself when he started the initiative. He is still working from Hyderabad because he feels that hunger has swelled after the lockdown. 

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Good News / by Express News Service / July 06th, 2021

Man feeding the poor gets Yudhvir award

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Syed Osman Azhar Maqsusi
Syed Osman Azhar Maqsusi

Social worker Syed Osman Azhar Maqsusi has been named to received the 27th Yudhvir Foundation Memorial Award in recognition of his dedication to uplifting the lives of people in marginalised communities by feeding the hungry. The award for this year includes a citation and cash of ₹1 lakh.

Mr. Azhar was only four-years-old when his father, an auto driver, passed away. His mother struggled to care for him and three other siblings. He gave up his studies at the age of 10 and took up odd jobs to support his family. In 2001 he started a Plaster of Paris unit which remains his only source of income even today.

A stray encounter with a hungry woman led Mr. Azhar to start his campaign to feed hungry persons in 2012. This has grown into a daily food camp for over 150 hungry mouths. In October 2015 he set up the NGO Sani Welfare Foundation to carry the work further.

Inspired by his example and at times aided by him, free food programmes for over 1,000 people have come up in different cities across India in coordination with local trusts and authorities. Free clinic, free educational academy and a free tailoring centre for needy women have also been set up.

His selfless perseverance has brought dramatic changes in the lives of those he has helped and he remains an inspiration for all of us, said a press release. Member of Parliament Kalvakuntla Kavitha will present the award on April 30 at KLN Prasad Auditorium, FTAPCCI Bhavan, Red Hills.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Special Correspondent / Hyderabad – April 19th, 2018