India, with its billion-strong electorate, hosts the largest general elections in the world. As dedicated election officers work tirelessly to bring democracy to our doorsteps, citizens eagerly line up to exercise their voting rights. On polling day in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the city witnessed two notable queues: one at the polling station and another at a local restaurant. What made this restaurant stand out? Most of the weary voters were lining up outside Nisarga Grand Hotel for their free dosa and juice.
A Patriotic Initiative by Krishnaraj
“I don’t care who they voted for, just that they did. We served over 6,000 free dosas on polling day,” says SP Krishnaraj, the owner of the hotel, to The Better India. But why is a man in Bengaluru serving free dosas? Join us as we delve into his heartwarming journey and discover where it all began.
An Idea Born from Frustration
Krishnaraj’s journey started with an encounter with an angry young man. Krishnaraj had worked with various restaurants before opening Nisarga Grand in 2017. “Opening my own restaurant was my biggest dream. After years of hard work, I was able to realize it,” he says.
Recalling the early days of his restaurant, he shares, “The initial days were not as grand as I had hoped. But I focused on providing quality service to the people.” It was during this period that he started chatting with a young guest during the 2018 elections. The young man admitted he hadn’t voted because he didn’t like any of the contesting parties and had no faith in any leader.
Krishnaraj emphasized the importance of voting as a fundamental right and the essence of democracy. The young man casually mentioned, “If I go and vote, you will have to give me free dosas.” Krishnaraj agreed, and the man returned later with an inked finger, receiving his free dosa and juice.
A Tradition Begins: Free Dosas for Voters
The incident sparked an idea in Krishnaraj. “I have always been a patriot and wanted to do my part in the country’s growth. The Constitution is the highest entity, and everyone should follow it,” he says. Krishnaraj decided to distribute free dosas every election.
Facing Legal Hurdles
Eager for the 2018 elections, Krishnaraj issued notices on Facebook, WhatsApp, local newspapers, and to friends about his free dosa initiative. However, the Election Commission (EC) barred him from distributing the food. Advised by a friend, Krishnaraj went to the high court and received a favorable verdict at 8:30 pm. Although the decision was challenged by other hotels, a double-bench hearing at 12:30 am also ruled in his favor.
That year, Krishnaraj distributed over 3,000 free dosas and filtered coffee to voters. The following year, during the Lok Sabha elections, he distributed 4,100 free dosas. “Every year, I go through the same drill. In 2019, I prepared in advance by going to court 15 days ahead to avoid any last-minute panic,” he says.
This Year’s Success: A Growing Tradition
This year was no different. While the city’s residents stood in the scorching sun waiting to vote, Nisarga Grand Hotel’s staff prepared thousands of dosas. Despite initial challenges in securing permission, Krishnaraj succeeded by the polling date. “This year, we served 6,800 people free masala dosas. The people always embrace this idea with a welcoming heart,” he says.
Creating Social Awareness
Krishnaraj’s commitment extends beyond elections. He believes in creating social awareness in various areas. For instance, during a period of confusion about the Rs 10 coin, when vendors were not accepting it, he offered a 10% discount to customers who paid with the coin. “I always want to help people in some way or the other,” he says.
Unwavering Dedication
Although it can be taxing to visit the court each time he organizes this initiative, Krishnaraj remains undeterred. “It doesn’t demotivate me at all. Instead, it inspires me even more,” he explains. “What keeps me going is the smile on people’s faces when they come to the hotel to claim their free dosas. It’s heartwarming to see so many people turn up, as it indirectly indicates that all of them voted. That is reward enough for me,” he shares.
A Legacy of Civic Engagement
Krishnaraj’s initiative has become a beloved tradition in Bengaluru, encouraging civic engagement through a simple yet powerful gesture. His story exemplifies how one person’s passion for democracy can inspire a community. By offering free dosas to voters, Krishnaraj not only fills stomachs but also strengthens the democratic fabric of his city.
In a country as vast and diverse as India, such initiatives remind us of the importance of every single vote. As citizens, our participation in elections shapes the future of our democracy. Thanks to people like Krishnaraj, voting day in Bengaluru is not just about fulfilling a civic duty but also about coming together to celebrate democracy—with a delicious dosa in hand.
Conclusion
Krishnaraj’s journey from an aspiring restaurant owner to a local hero serving free dosas to voters is a testament to the impact of individual initiative on community engagement. His unwavering dedication to encouraging voting highlights the power of simple acts of kindness in promoting civic responsibility. As Bengaluru residents continue to embrace this unique tradition, Krishnaraj’s free dosas for voters will remain a symbol of democracy in action.
