As students resume protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over alleged exam paper leaks, support is flowing in from an unanticipated group - the food community of the city. Along with the volunteers, restaurants, cafés and even food entrepreneurs have stepped up to provide those spending long hours at the protest site with warm food, drinking water and secure spaces to relax.
Some food joints are making food in bulk and sending it to Jantar Mantar; others have opened their cafés to students, giving shelter without expecting anything in return. Not only this, but at the same time, people from various parts of the country are also placing food orders in great portions through delivery platforms.
Cafés Are Opening Their Doors And Kitchens
Many Delhi eateries have announced their help to the students through social media. Chef Sambhavi Joshi, co-founder of Pasta On The Go, shared an Instagram post mentioning providing free pasta to students who are at the protest. "Pasta for the ones standing up for something... We want to send warm pasta to the students and young voices holding ground at Jantar Mantar," the post reads.
Staple Bar & Bistro also invited students to reach out for food. Posting on Instagram, the post read, "To everyone spending long days on the ground, we'd love to send warm food your way." The restaurant also mentioned it would provide freshly prepared meals.
For those who need a small break from the protests, Garnita's Delhi has something distinct to offer. The cafe has stated that protesters could rest and use the space without having to place any order. "For anyone at Jantar Mantar who wants to use a place to pause, we're here. No purchase necessary. Just come in," the restaurant mentioned. The cafe also urged followers to share this with anyone who might get help from this.
Similarly, FES Café & Desserts mentioned its cafes as community spaces. While sharing a reel on Instagram, the brand stated, "Our cafés have always been a place for community. They are, and will always remain safe spaces for you."
Hundreds Of Sandwiches Sent To The Protest Site
Among the ongoing food initiatives, Kona, a Delhi-based sandwich shop, has stood out. On July 21, the restaurant requested that its followers connect it with the volunteers in the protest and verified student groups that are responsible for food distribution at Jantar Mantar. The response was quick. On July 22, Kona sent about 1,000 sandwiches to the protest area, with around 600 more sandwiches on July 23, in view of helping feed students who are gathered there.
Support Is Coming From Across India
The benevolence hasn't stopped just with local restaurants. As per updates, many people from cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune and Hyderabad have sent food through online delivery platforms. Everything from biryani, pizzas and sandwiches to fruits, juices, bottled water and ORS packets has been ordered for the protest site.
The ongoing stream of orders ultimately encouraged organisers to ask supporters to prioritise basics such as water and food.
This reaction from Delhi's food community demonstrates that, beyond just serving the customers, the cafes and restaurants can also evolve into spaces to take care during difficult times. Whether through a meal, a café to relax in, or food that is delivered from hundreds of kilometres away, these gestures show support for students, who are gathered at Jantar Mantar.