Mehsana, Jan 25 (NationPress) During his latest radio segment, 'Mann Ki Baat', Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Chandanki village, located in the Bahucharaji taluka of Gujarat's Mehsana district, as a remarkable model of community engagement, spotlighting its exceptional community kitchen tradition.

This practice has flourished in Chandanki for over 15 years. In this setup, meals for the entire community are prepared in a central kitchen, and a tiffin service caters to the sick and those unable to move freely.

The daily shared meals have not only alleviated the cooking burden but have also reinforced social connections among villagers, nurturing a profound sense of community.

Situated roughly five kilometers from the Bahucharaji pilgrimage location, Chandanki is home to many residents whose children have migrated for work within India and abroad.

In his earlier remarks on 'Mann Ki Baat', the Prime Minister emphasized that the villagers do not cook individually; instead, they rely on a communal kitchen where everyone gathers to enjoy meals together.

This tradition embodies core values of unity, compassion, and communal living.

To relieve the elderly from cooking stress, the village's younger members united to create an arrangement ensuring that elders receive nutritious meals regularly, with dignity.

Each day at around 11 a.m., a bell rings in the village, signaling lunchtime. Elders emerge from their homes and congregate at the Chandreshwar Mahadev temple near the village's entrance. Tables and chairs are set up in the temple grounds, where meals are served with respect.

Villagers describe the atmosphere as lively and warm, with elders dining together, sharing stories, and discussing their joys and challenges.

Some elders also volunteer to assist with food service, enhancing their sense of belonging. Mothers and senior citizens have voiced pride in their youth for establishing such a caring system, even while living far from home.

Now, elders in Chandanki enjoy meals twice daily, enabling them to maintain independence while staying connected to their community.

Observers often comment that witnessing all the elders dining together resembles watching a large family enjoying a meal.

Due to its unique social customs and cleanliness, Chandanki village has garnered numerous accolades, including the Nirmal Gram and Tirth Gram awards.

With the Prime Minister recognizing its community kitchen, the village's approach is emerging as an inspiring model for rural areas throughout the nation.