Anna ki rasoi serves 20,000 people on day 1 of protest

Anna ki Rasoi, as it is officially known, once again opened shop for the protesters at the Ramlila Maidan. Volunteers claim that the Rasoi served close to 20,000 people on Tuesday. But ironically,

Anna ki Rasoi, as it is officially known, once again opened shop for the protesters at the Ramlila Maidan. Volunteers claim that the Rasoi served close to 20,000 people on Tuesday. But ironically, not all who were fed by it had come to extend support to Hazare's cause.

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For people from neighbouring areas, the Rasoi was a respite not just from hunger, but from the winter chill as well.

While there were close to a mere 1,200 supporters at the ground, volunteers claim the number of people who flocked the Rasoi was at par with the gathering in August.

The stall, which was serving rice, dal, poori and tea, saw a continuous inflow of people.

"We cannot afford two square meals per day. The volunteers here are serving free food and tea, which we will take home for our children," said Nasim Khan, who had come from Daryaganj.

Philanthropy and unstinting support was clearly visible, as IAC volunteers worked feverishly to keep the supply of food and tea going at the stall.

"We have not taken any donations and have sponsored this endeavour ourselves. We will make sure that food supply does not fall short on any of the three days," said Mahendra Goel, a volunteer at the Rasoi.

Goel also claimed that almost 25kg rice, 8kg dal and flour each had been used up to keep the supply going on Day 1 itself.

As the day turned chilly towards the afternoon, even those supporting Anna's fast, could be seen flocking the tea stall to beet the cold.