For Suresh, 65, a daily wage worker from Kozhikode, a free meal means a day less of worrying about his meagre resources. By noon, there are many like him who line up outside the nearest village office to collect their free lunch coupons.
Operation Sulaimani, launched by the Kozhikode district administration and the Kerala Hotels and Restaurants Association five months ago, provides free food to anyone who is hungry. No questions asked.