In Pune, India, a kind autorickshaw driver named Akshay Kothawale did something very special. He'd saved up Rs 2 lakh (that is a lot of money!) for his wedding that was supposed to happen on May 25, 2020.
But when the COVID-19 pandemic happened, he decided to use this money to help people instead. Akshay started a community kitchen to give food to people who were having a hard time. Every day, he gave away about 400 meals to people like migrant workers and daily-wage laborers who needed help during the lockdown. The food he prepared was healthy and included dishes like pulao, khichdi, and puri bhaji.
He didn't stop there! Akshay also used the loudspeaker in his autorickshaw to tell people about safety rules to keep them safe from the virus. He even gave free rides to pregnant women and old people who needed to see a doctor or get important things.
After the lockdown, Akshay continued to help others. He used some leftover money to give warm clothes to homeless people and school supplies to children who lost their parents.
Akshay's actions show us how one person's choice can make a big difference in a community. By changing his wedding plans, he created a way to help many people in need, showing that we can all help others during tough times.
