Kolkata: Loreto Sisters in Kolkata have come up with a new concept to serve the poor – Food ATM (Food Any Time Machine). But the Sisters claim that this practice of serving the poor reportedly began in 1909, around 110 years ago. “In 1909 this very concept was used to serve food to the needy in Motijhil and Entally,” says Director of Kolkata Mary Ward Social Centre (KMWSC) Sr Monica Suchiang.
The Anglo Indian Member of Legislative Assembly West Bengal Mr. Shane Calvert, and Loreto South Asia Superior Sr. Sabrina Edwards inaugurated the Food ATM while Seva Kendra Kolkata Director Dr. Fr. Franklin Menezes blessed the Food ATM installed at KMWSC premises on November 25, 2019.
The genius behind the venture Sr Monica, a graduate of National Law School Hyderabad, spelt out her vision for KMWSC through its three thematic approaches on Protection of Women and Child Development, Education & Health, and Community Development through Livelihood & Skill Development. Recalling the words of former Loreto nun St. Teresa of Calcutta, Sr Monica did not hesitate to say, “The Fruit of Love is Service, which is Compassion in Action.” “Today we once again stand at the threshold of continuing this history (practice) through the inauguration of the KMWSC Cafe and Bakery and the Food ATM at Entally for those people who need Love, Compassion and our dedicated Service,” insists Sr. Monica.
Other dignitaries present at the event were Vice Chairman of the Minority Commission, West Bengal, Rtd Justice Nadira Patheria, Mrs. Ananya Chakraborty, chairperson of WBCPCR, Sudeshna Roy, member of WBCPCR and Dr. Joydeb Majumdar, Director of Jaypraksh Institute of Social Change, religious and priests, NGO members and well-wishers.
