Roshida
May 27, 2024Our Stories
From Passion to Purpose:
My Journey with Ek Plate Biryani
Hello!
We had a quick session with Muhammad Azghan Siddiqui, Head of Operations
(Sindh and Balochistan) at Ek Plate Biryani.
His journey and thoughts at such a young age are inspirational.
Us: Why Did You Join Ek Plate Biryani?
A: It all started because philanthropy has been a part of my life from the very beginning, and it’s a value that’s been passed down through my family for generations.
Growing up, I was taught that if someone needed help, we should be there – no questions asked.
Even as a child, I realized that by helping others, I ended up touching the lives of people who weren’t related to me by blood. I became a little ray of hope in a small way for some.
This realization was the catalyst for joining Ek Plate Biryani later in life.
I wanted to take what had been an informal tradition in our family and make it something bigger, something that could reach more people in need.
So, when in 2019, I embarked on a soul-searching journey, I crossed paths with Ek Plate Biryani, and it was like finding a missing piece of my heart. They were looking for someone to help carry out their work on the field and I was looking to stretch my boundaries.
Us: When Did You Join EPB?
A: I joined the organization on the very first day it opened its doors for operations, 1st of May, 2019. And there has been no looking back for me since then.
Us: What Keeps You Motivated?
A: The happy smiles of young children, the relieved smiles of the adults, when they feel someone is there to lend a hand.
Us: You Have Been Doing Relief Work For A Long Time. Have
You Seen Any Incident That Stayed With You?
A: Once traveling outside the city, I witnessed a child, no more than 10 years of age, trying to find food in the garbage. A child his age should have been in school, yet there he was, trying to get some scraps of food. I still cannot push that image out of my head.
Us: If We Talk About A Small Thing Or Incident That Brought More Happiness Than You Had Anticipated, What Comes To Your Mind First?
A: It was a chilly winter’s day when I found myself in the heart of Balochistan. As I walked through the village, I couldn’t help but notice the children wearing thin summer clothing, playing in the cold.
The sight of those little ones, with rosy cheeks and shivering with cold, moved me in a way I can’t describe. It was a stark reminder of the inequalities that exist in our world.
We were there to distribute winter clothes in Balochistan. I saw their faces light up with smiles as they received colorful warm coats and jackets. It was pure, simple joy.
Us: What Would Be Your Advice For The Readers?
A: I would request everyone to play their part – big or small. You don’t have to donate to EPB or any other organization, if you don’t want to.
Just go out there. Help a soul, bring a smile to someone’s face, change a life in any way you can.
I know this world looks like a dark place when we start observing the less fortunate people around us. But as the Chinese (I think?) proverb goes, “It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.”
Every little drop of kindness matters.
Let’s try to make this world a better place.