5 Chennai IT workers cook special meals for care homes on weekends

For five IT professionals in Chennai, Saturdays have become about something beyond deadlines, office meetings and weekend breaks. Instead of spending their free time relaxing after a busy workweek, they head to old-age homes and child-care centres, where they plan, prepare and serve special meals to residents.What began as a small community initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has grown into a sustained volunteering effort.

The five colleagues have organised 88 food-service events so far, with financial contributions from nearly 200 supporters. The group, called the Outreach Ministry Leadership & Operations Team, includes Senthilnathan L., P. Yesuraja, Sathish Raja, Santhosh and Sanjeev Nanda. All five work at Cognizant Technology Solutions' Sholinganallur and MEPZ campuses in Chennai.Their approach is simple: rather than just donating money or arranging food deliveries, they visit institutions, organise the cooking and personally serve meals to people who may not receive regular assistance.A friendship that turned into a mission to serveThe initiative took shape in 2020, when the five colleagues connected through common friends and decided to do something meaningful for people who needed support during the pandemic.

They particularly wanted to reach charitable institutions located outside Chennai's main city areas, as these establishments often received limited assistance. Their visits have since taken them to old-age homes and child-care centres in Marakkanam, Red Hills and Alamathi.However, the group does not select institutions randomly. Before organising an event, its members verify the credentials of the homes to ensure that their efforts reach genuine beneficiaries.

What initially started as a once-a-month commitment gradually became a more regular activity. The team now aims to organise at least two events every month, usually on Saturdays. For the five colleagues, the idea is not simply to provide food but to make the residents feel special through a meal prepared and served with care.From Friday grocery shopping to Saturday feastsOrganising a meal for nearly 200 people requires considerable planning, and the five colleagues divide the responsibilities among themselves.

P. Yesuraja takes charge of purchasing groceries and often visits Chennai's Parrys Market on Fridays to buy ingredients for the following day's event. The team plans the menu in advance, keeping the preferences of the residents in mind. They also work with Kalandar, a chef from Tiruvallur, who helps prepare the food. The menu often includes non-vegetarian dishes, making the meals more special for the residents.Explaining why the group prefers cooking and serving food personally instead of providing financial assistance, Senthilnathan told The Hindu, "We only go to homes that allow us to cook and serve food, and we avoid giving financial aid." He also explained that the objective is to provide residents with a memorable dining experience, even if the group is serving a relatively small number of people.

According to Senthilnathan, the team typically serves close to 200 meals during each event.88 events, 200 contributors and help beyond foodThe initiative has grown with support from friends, well-wishers and nearly 200 financial contributors. Together, they have helped the five colleagues organise 88 food-service events since the programme began. The group's work, however, does not end with serving meals.

It also arranges essential items for residents whenever required. Sanjeev Nanda manages fundraising activities and is considered the team's biggest motivator.Yesuraja has also travelled to Erode to purchase bedspreads for residents of the homes. On other occasions, the group has arranged clothes and other useful supplies. For the members, these efforts require more than financial contributions.

They also involve dedicating an entire day, coordinating purchases, travelling to institutions and managing the cooking arrangements. The team members say that finding time for these activities can sometimes be more challenging than arranging the money.A Deepavali meal planned for children in Red HillsThe colleagues are continuing their efforts with another special event planned for November 21 at an institution in Red Hills.

For the occasion, they are planning a Deepavali meal featuring chicken biryani and sweets. The menu is being decided according to the children's preferences, making the celebration more personal for them. Speaking to The Hindu, Sanjeev Nanda said the group experiences a special joy after every outing and hopes to continue the initiative.For these five IT employees, the impact of their weekends is measured differently from their professional achievements.

It is reflected in the meals served, the essentials arranged and the moments shared with people at the institutions they visit. Their journey shows how a small group of colleagues can turn a simple decision to help others into a consistent community effort. What started during a difficult period in 2020 has become a commitment that brings together workplace friendships, personal time and the generosity of nearly 200 supporters.

And while their weekdays remain dedicated to their IT careers, their Saturdays continue to create something meaningful beyond the office.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ testGet the latest Lifestyle News and more. Download the TOI app.