Bengaluru, 23 March

For the past 15 years, a group of friends in Bengaluru have been quietly offering a lifeline to students observing Ramadan away from home. Their initiative, Anjuman E Islamia, which translates to "The Companionship of Islam," provides free pre-dawn meals, or Sehri, to residents of paying guest (PG) accommodations and hostels across the City. This  act ensures that students facing unfamiliar surroundings, limited access to kitchen facilities, and early morning commutes can still observe the pre-dawn meal, a crucial aspect of Ramadan.

Talking to Salar News General Secretary of Eidgah Masjid and Anjuman e Islamia, Abdul Razack Khan said ,"Many people struggle to find the right meals during Ramadan. We start early in the morning around 3 am and start sending out the meals to all the hostels and PGs across the City."

Consumed before the day's fast begins, it provides the energy to sustain one throughout the long day without food or water. The programme's focus on Sehri meals is deliberate. Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast, is often with the community, friends and family gathering to eat together. Sehri, on the other hand, falls before dawn, making it a solitary experience for many.

"The Iftar meal is available to everyone after the fasting," said Syed Feroz, one of the  volunteers. The group operates entirely on a voluntary basis. Members not only contribute financially but also dedicate their pre-dawn hours to preparing hearty meals. A typical Sehri spread includes staples like dates, fruits, porridge, and sometimes even a savoury dish.

Ayesha Kanum, an MBA student from Jayanagar, says, "These Sehri meals have been a game-changer for me. I can wake up for Sehri, have a proper meal, and head straight to my classes without having to worry about cooking."

Hajira Uzma, another PG resident near Whitefield, who works in an IT company, adds, "The fact that the food is healthy and fresh makes a huge difference. It helps me stay focused and energetic throughout the day at work. The food tastes amazing just like how we used to have back in my home-town in Hyderabad."