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Ahmedabad’s Seva Café is a small ray of hope in the world full of hate, terror and violence. Little acts of kindness make a big difference by generating tenderness in the hearts of people. The Seva Café intends to spread the thoughtfulness among other people, inspired by the spirit of service.
Can you picture a restaurant with no prices on the menu and a bill of Rs.0 with a footnote that says “Your meal was a gift from a person who came before you. To keep this chain going, we invite you to pay it forward as a gift for those who dine after you.” Once Mahatma Gandhi said, the hand that gives the rose always carries the fragrance. It seems the principle has been imbibed by the cafeteria where it serves meals without demanding anything, where you contribute as per your liking.
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Concept of The Seva Café
We Indians believe in the mantra “Atithi Devo Bhava” meaning “Guest is God.” The concept of Seva Café is rested on this mantra. Here, you get the feeling of sitting at home with family members and having food. The milieu is extremely ethnic yet modern. The staffs of the café offer “Seva” with so much of love and affection without seeking anything in return.
It’s a great pleasure for the staffs of the café to see the surprise on the face of their guests by treating them with delicious food without money. You’ll only be expected to continue this kind gesture by contributing some amount as you wish. The decision is completely yours, you can eat the food of worth Rs.100 and can still pay Rs.50 as per the deal.
Volunteering at Seva Café
The door is wide open for any volunteer at any time. The approach here is so powerful that people volunteer it in their own cities. By connecting people from different walks of life, it spreads the message of love, affection, generosity, trust and Giving. Students can be seen wearing aprons, chopping veggies, washing utensils, cooking meals and laying tables for the evening. This shows that despite this fast-moving lifestyle and the acquisitive world we have not disconnected from our roots of Humanity.
About the Founders & Food Served
The mastermind behind this project, John Silliphant and Jayesh Patel arrived on this concept as a part of their social experiment. They just wanted to make sure whether it’s possible to run a business fully based on “seva”, and yeah, it seems like they have been quite successful until now. Since the last six years they are serving delicious foods and till date have given more than 80,000 gifts.
Speaking of food, the cuisine here is quite simple and palatable. So be rest assured that you are in right hands. The expenses of the café are met by the contributions made by the guests making all costs and income transparent. The doors are open for 4 days in a week, from Thu-Sun, from 7 pm to 10 pm, until 50 guests are served. The café also maintains its code of conduct, a handbook, which guides them from time to time about their motto and goal- “Living is Giving.”
Location
Seva Café is sited to the opposite of the city’s municipal market, C.G. Road, Ahmedabad. Located on the top floor, the ambience makes you feel like you are enclosed with good vibes. Needless to say, it’s a soothing place where one can experience the joy of giving thereby encouraging the dinners to pay it forward.
How to Reach
1. Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Seva Café is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International airport, Ahmedabad. You can hire a cab from the airport and enjoy your ride to the café.
2. Nearest Railway Station: Being just 6 km away, Ahmedabad railway station is the closest to Seva Café. You can easily cover the distance by booking a cab or by hiring an auto-rickshaw. Ola or Uber can also be used in case you couldn’t get an auto-rickshaw.
Getting around in the city is very easy as there are various means of transport in Ahmedabad. Luxury taxis or private taxis can be hired for a full day or for sightseeing purpose. Buses run by AMTS are the most frequent means of transport with a very nominal price for their service. The choice is yours! You can opt for any medium of transportation according to your convenience.
Location Map
No doubt the café is doing a meritorious job by evoking humanity and kindness among people. So, the next time you are in town, do not miss the chance. Go there, have fun and keep the chain going by making a contribution according to your wish.
