Apna Bana Lo
In 2019, Chennai Food Bank, now known as RYA Metro Foodbank, continued its Apna Bana Lo journey by creating a simple yet deeply meaningful experience—an exclusive movie screening designed especially for God’s Own Children.
As part of this initiative, 3,000 children were invited to a special film screening at Satyam Cinemas. For many of them, this was a rare opportunity to enjoy the magic of cinema in a full-fledged theatre setting—something often taken for granted, yet deeply memorable when experienced for the first time.
The purpose of the event went beyond entertainment. Apna Bana Lo 2019 was about inclusion, joy, and emotional well-being. For children growing up without consistent family support, shared experiences like watching a movie together help foster a sense of normalcy, belonging, and happiness. The darkened theatre, the big screen, and the collective laughter created moments of connection that stayed long after the credits rolled.
The atmosphere throughout the screening was filled with excitement and wonder. From the anticipation before the film began to the smiles and reactions during the show, the experience allowed children to relax, feel cared for, and simply enjoy being present in the moment. Such moments of carefree joy play an important role in nurturing confidence and emotional resilience.
Community involvement was central to making this large-scale initiative possible. Coordinating access, seating, and overall arrangements for 3,000 children required careful planning and collective effort. Volunteers and supporters worked quietly behind the scenes to ensure that every child felt safe, welcomed, and valued throughout the experience.
The impact of Apna Bana Lo 2019 was immediate and heartfelt. For the children, it was a day filled with laughter, excitement, and shared memories. For the organisation, it reaffirmed a long-held belief—that community welfare includes creating opportunities for joy, cultural exposure, and emotional nourishment, alongside hunger relief.
This initiative stands as a reminder that meaningful change is not always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it is about opening doors to experiences that make children feel included, seen, and cherished. Apna Bana Lo 2019 remains a warm chapter in Chennai Food Bank’s ongoing mission to serve with compassion and dignity.
Together, we continue our journey towards a hunger-free world.
