In the bustling heart of Patna's Rajgir bus stand, nestled among small shops and tea lovers, a modest tea stall has been quietly performing an extraordinary act of kindness for more than three decades. Beyond serving tea, this stall provides free milk to babies from newborns up to 18 months old, a service that has become a beacon of community support and compassion.
A Legacy of Kindness Born from a Single Gesture
The remarkable service began in 1990, initiated by Sarvan Kumar, the elder brother of the current owner, Ranjit Kumar. The inspiration struck during the Malmas Mela that year when Sarvan encountered a distressed woman with a crying infant who was searching for milk. He offered milk to the child without charge, and the profound impact of that simple act compelled him to continue the service permanently. Sarvan passed away in 2000 after a tragic fall from his house terrace, but his legacy did not end. His younger brother, Ranjit, now 46, took over the stall and vowed to continue the work in his brother's memory, even naming his business after him.
Not Charity, But a Duty: The Philosophy of Service
For Ranjit Kumar, providing free milk is not an act of charity but a fundamental duty. A small hoarding at the stall clearly states, ‘Milk is offered to kids from 0-18 months’. "For the past 26 years, I have been offering free milk to newborns to 18-month-old babies. It gives me satisfaction to serve them," Ranjit explained. He emphasizes that grand scale or formal status is not required to help others. "You don’t need big paraphernalia or a formal outfit to do an act of kindness. If you have the will to serve the needy, even a small tea kiosk is enough," he said.
Rajgir, a town with significant religious, historical, and tourist attractions, sees visitors year-round. To meet the need, Ranjit uses approximately 40 litres of milk every day, dedicating nearly five litres exclusively for infants whose mothers are unable to feed them. People from nearby hospitals also visit the stall when newborns require urgent nourishment.
Refusing Donations and Expanding a Brother's Dream
The stall's generosity has touched many hearts, leading visitors, including tourists, to offer donations. However, Ranjit politely declines all financial contributions. "I feel God is multiplying my business, and it would be disrespect to Him to accept donations," he shared. He recalled an instance where two visitors from Gujarat offered him blank cheques, which he kept as mementos even after they lapsed, valuing the story they represent.
Over the years, the humble tea stall has grown into a larger enterprise encompassing tyre and travel services, all proudly carrying Sarvan's name. During major events like the Malmas Mela, Ranjit sets up a separate counter and assigns a person solely for distributing milk, ensuring the service reaches as many as possible. "These kids are the faces of God," Ranjit stated, summarizing his motivation. This enduring story from Patna stands as a powerful testament to how a simple, consistent act of humanity can create a lasting impact on a community.
