Monday, May 5, 2008

Free buttermilk for parched throats

By Mayuri Srinivas

Those who pass through Dr. Ranga Road in Mylapore may notice a small shamiana put up on the pavement and a group of volunteers hard at work here. Well, the group is rendering a small service this summer.

These people are volunteers of Shri Sai Baba Trust based at 'Sundaram', off Chamiers Road. They have been distributing buttermilk to the passersby so that people can be refreshed.
With mercury shooting above 40 degree Celsius, ordinary people who cannot afford to pay for ice creams and fruit juices, relish this free offer of buttermilk.
Pedestrians, elderly people, rickshaw-pullers, courier boys and labourers stop at this stall and enjoy the drink. The place is crowded but there is sufficient stock of buttermilk.

The volunteers say that this summer service has been going on for about 15 years at the very same place.
The volunteers run it through May every year.
Everyday, two donors pay for making about 500 litres of buttermilk - to be served in two sessions - from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 2 p. m. There are about 5 volunteers who help in serving the buttermilk.

The buttermilk is home-made by the donors. The donors have to register themselves at the 'Sundaram' office. The volunteers who serve the buttermilk take turns to render service through May.

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