Baby Devasya, once a man whose earnings vanished into alcohol, now spends his days serving free porridge to patients and relatives at Nedumkandam Taluk Hospital in Idukki.

The 60-year-old carpenter from Chakkakkanam, spent 22 years of his life drinking. Reflecting on his past, he said, “I realised that drinking was ruining my life. I stopped 15 years ago. Meditation and other practices helped me overcome it.”

His journey of kindness began when he and his wife, Kochu Thresya, noticed an elderly bedridden couple at the Taluk Hospital who were starving. Moved by their plight, the couple bought food for them. From the next day, Baby and Kochu Thresya began preparing kanji and curry at home and delivering it to patients by bike.

Today, the evening kanji distribution continues, providing kanji, curry, and pickle. The couple now uses their own autorickshaw for deliveries. Funds for this initiative come from Baby’s earnings as a carpenter, Kochu Thresya’s work at home, and contributions of rice and vegetables from voluntary organisations.

The couple cooks together every day, and the initiative marked its 15th anniversary this Friday. On an average day, they serve at least 100 people, with numbers reaching 300 on some occasions.

Previously, Baby and his family did not even have a proper home. Kochu Thresya, who is also the leader of the tailoring workers’ organisation, received a house through the support of the organisation. The couple is blessed with three daughters.

Baby’s work mirrors the message of the ‘Good Samaritan’ from the Bible, showing how personal transformation can turn into acts of service for the community.