Cancer Couldn’t Stop Him, This Hero Continues To Feed 300+ Meals Daily To The Poor

In December 2020, 43-year-old Vikrant Vij from Delhi was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma—cancer of the lymphatic system. His immune system, meant to protect him, was now working against him. Doctors told him he had just six months to live. But Vikrant refused to let this diagnosis define him.  

“Visits to Safdarjung Hospital became routine,” Vikrant recalls. “That’s when I noticed many people—patients' attendants—barely surviving on a single meal or just water. I couldn’t ignore it. During my next visit, I carried food from home to share. More and more people started showing up, hoping for a meal. It made me happy but also helpless—happy to be helping, but knowing it was never enough.”

The beginning of Apurva - The Helping Hand Foundation

Vikrant shared his thoughts with his family, and his father suggested starting an NGO to reach more people. However, the pandemic delayed the plan. Tragically, Vikrant’s father passed away from a heart attack soon after, leaving behind one final wish—to help those in need. Determined to honour his father’s memory, Vikrant moved forward and founded Apurva – The Helping Hand Foundation, naming it after his daughter.

“I’m a single parent, and Apurva is everything to me,” Vikrant says. “I don’t know how much time I have, but through this foundation, my daughter will always remember me and the work we did together.”

The feeding initiative began with small donations from friends and family. But as word spread on social media, support started flowing in. Today, Vikrant leads a dedicated group of six working professionals. His brother, Abhishek, manages the finances and online outreach, while Abhishek’s wife, Nitu, oversees meal distribution and hygiene practices.

Vikrant needs your help to continue his mission 

What started with just a few meals has grown into a program serving 300 meals a week. But Vikrant dreams of feeding 1,000 people daily.

“Some days are tough. I feel weak and the pain makes it hard to carry on,” Vikrant admits. “But I remind myself—there are people out there who have nothing. Their struggle is bigger than mine, and that keeps me going.”

Vikrant’s unwavering commitment is a powerful reminder of how one person’s will can change lives. Despite his illness, he’s made it his mission to feed as many hungry people as he can. But he needs your help to continue. 

A small donation from you can provide groceries to prepare hundreds of meals and help Vikrant reach his goal of feeding those in need. Together, we can support his journey of kindness and ensure no one sleeps hungry.