MB#52 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙋𝙝𝙞𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙤𝙥𝙝𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙁𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙤𝙣 𝙈𝙮 𝙁𝙖𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧'𝙨 𝘾𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙖𝙡.

[MemoirBlogthon #52] Our family has always followed the spiritual practice of Annadanam (food charity), rooted in the belief that "Food is Divine" (Annam Para Brahma Swarupam). This legacy, learned directly from my parents, became the heart of my father's centennial birthday observation in November 2025. To honor his values, we organized a community lunch for 80 supporting staff in our gated community's double car parking space—a simple but profound gesture affirming his aspiration: "Serve others as long as possible with food, work, and contributions."

---Image: MB#52 The Legacy and Philosophy of Sharing Food on My Father's Centennial.

The Philosophy of Annam Para Brahma Swarupam

My parents held a strong, unwavering belief in Anna Prasadam (food offered to God) and Annadanam (food charity), practicing it for every guest, celebration, and even solemn occasion. In Hinduism, this is considered one of the highest forms of charity (Mahadanam), embodying compassion and recognizing food as a divine gift. The act is believed to nourish not just the physical body but also the soul.

This philosophy is deeply rooted in scripture:

Divine Food: The Sanskrit verse, Annam Para Brahma Swarupam, translates to "Food is Divine," underscoring the Taittiriya Upanishad's teaching that all life is born from, lives by, and returns to food.

Highest Virtue: Annadanam* is often described as the greatest donation, a form of charity that must be given without discrimination to anyone who comes hungry, upholding the principle of Atithi Devo Bhava ("the guest is God").

Epic Lessons: Legends like that of Karna in the Mahabharata emphasize the unique value of donating food over wealth.

This profound tradition continues to be followed by my wife and me wherever possible.

### The Centennial Observation: A Community Lunch

With this spiritual background guiding us, we decided that the heart of the observation of my father's Centenary Birthday on November 7, 2025, must be an act of annadanam. This action was intended to reflect his lifetime aspiration: "Serve others as long as possible with food, work, and contributions in cash and kind wherever possible."

My wife and I, supported by my daughter and grandson, organized a community lunch for the local staff—the people who provided support when my parents were living and who continue to render valuable support to our better living in the gated community. In all, about 80 people attended.

We chose an unconventional venue: our double car parking space in the stilt area. I recalled how my father had selected this spot during the apartment purchase specifically because it was near the staircase and the lift, ensuring ease of access—a subtle reflection of his planning and consideration for others.

A large banner depicting the reason for the Annaprasadam ensured that the guests understood the spiritual and memorial significance of the meal. This grand event marked a proud beginning to the centenary celebrations, affirming that the true value of a life is measured by the selfless service it inspires.

MB#52 Quiz

MB52 Question: What Sanskrit phrase, meaning "Food is Divine," forms the philosophical basis for the act of Annadanam?

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• A. Dharmam Saranam Gachhami.
• B. Atithi Devo Bhava.
• C. Annam Para Brahma Swarupam.
• D. Satyam Shivam Sundaram.

MB#52 Quote

"You must feed your spirituality if you want to be able to feed others." – Olih