Jantar Mantar witnessed an outpouring of solidarity on Tuesday as visitors flocked to the historic protest site with food, water and other essential supplies. NGOs and volunteer groups distributed biscuits, pizza, burgers, fruit, juice, water bottles and plates of rajma chawal from makeshift counters throughout the day. Many spoke about donating money to buy provisions and support those who had faced lathi charge and tear-gas shells the previous day.
“Many have shown up despite the police brutality yesterday. We are spending time here to show that we all stand by each other. Many of my brothers have come from different States, so we decided to step in for them,” said Manpreet Singh, whose group had been distributing kadhi chawal and rajma chawal since noon. By 3 p.m., he said he had lost track of the meals they had served. “Many people volunteered to help distribute the food,” he added.
Non-stop deliveries
Several delivery agents were also spotted delivering meals near the protest site at the intersection of Tolstoy Marg and Sansad Marg. “I have already made at least 15 trips to the location,” said a delivery agent. Carrying an order of burgers, he said that individuals from various regions were placing orders to deliver food to Jantar Mantar.
He added that they were receiving orders to deliver pizzas, burgers, momos and thalis.
A 22-year-old Delhi University student, who spent the day handing out bananas before distributing plates of roti and dal to fellow protesters, said it was important to keep up the energy. “Protesting can make one very tired. Given how the government is responding, the agitation may continue for a long time. It is important that people have the strength to carry on,” he said.
Most volunteers were reluctant to reveal how much they had spent, dismissing their donations as “a small contribution to the larger movement”.
Vipul, a 25-year-old gig worker and Civil Services aspirant who was handing out packets of biscuits and beverages, said, “People have travelled from all over the country. We will continue with our efforts till our pockets allow.”
Members of Sachkhand Foundation, an NGO, said they had distributed 2,000 meals, including pizzas, burgers and thalis, every day at the protest site for the past four days.
“We plan to distribute 10,000 raincoats and 10,000 umbrellas over the next two days in view of the inclement weather,” said the foundation’s president, Taranjot Singh.
Away from the main gathering, volunteers were also seen collecting litter. Two young professionals, who did not wish to be identified, said they had spent the last two days clearing discarded food packets from the site. “This is our way of showing solidarity with the protesters and the students who faced lathi-charge and tear-gas shelling yesterday,” said one of them.
Published - July 22, 2026 01:23 am IST