Startups with Robin Hood Army to feed 500K people on both sides of the border

Major startups like Uber, Zomato, Snapdeal, Oyo, Grofers, Inshorts, Roposo, InMobi and Pressplay have joined hands to be a part of #Mission500k. Mission500k is a unique project to unite Indians and Pakistanis to serve meals to 5,00,000 less fortunate people on both sides of the border on Independence Day.

Neel Ghose, founder of the Robin Hood Army (RHA) says, "we are excited to bring everyone together and see the potential impact of this project. The idea is to get citizens across both countries to be aware and act on our common enemy – hunger.”

It is a first-of-its-kind initiative because the start-ups are using their platforms and social media reach to spread the word to inspire millions of users to act. They are also contributing directly to the project by enabling people to donate in kind to #Mission500k.

Also fundraising is neither the goal nor the intent, hence it is strictly prohibited.

As part of this mission, Oyo rooms will be consolidating food from as many OYOs as they can and distribute “Free Breakfast” this Independence Day. Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO of Oyo says, “I am moved by the spirit and dedication of the Robin Hood Army to wipe out hunger from India and Pakistan. It is a remarkable opportunity for all of us to play our roles in uprooting hunger by putting an end to food wastage, however big or small. Let’s all come together to be a part of this inspiring movement.”

Hence this Independence Day will be different. Major start-ups, musicians along with the Robin Hood Army (RHA) are coming together in doing their bit for making food available for people across India and Pakistan.

#Mission500k plans to mobilise students, start-ups, families and corporate offices to rally together and serve people in every bit possible.  Video partner and contributor Vh1 has driven the message through their music fraternity with artists Farhan Akhtar, Uday Benegal and Vishal Dadlani coming together for the nationwide movement with an anthem.

Here's the anthem video:

Deepinder Goyal, Founder & CEO of Zomato says, “RHA’s journey has been truly inspiring for a lot of us at Zomato and beyond; it is also great to see the start-up ecosystem coming together to make a collective and tangible difference. We are excited to join hands with them for #Mission500k this Independence Day and are hopeful they will achieve their goal.”

Grofers has set up a page to promote the cause. So on the Grofers App they have created the “Mission 500k store” which will be accepting orders for two dates, viz. 12th and 14th August. However, all products ordered through Grofers App for delivery to RHA shall be delivered by Grofers to RHA on 14th August, 2016.

Sarah Afridi, who set up the RHA in Pakistan says, “our teams across Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore are chalking out major plans for the 14th. What we need is not monetary contributions, just the time and compassion of our fellow citizens.”

It seems like a unique project to reach out to the 230 million people in the sub-continent who do not get two square meals a day. #Mission500k might not eradicate hunger but is definitely a big step towards a small difference in the macro scheme of things.

Team CIOL feels projects like these will keep inspiring the startup community aswell and encourage them to work towards changing things for the better.

If you wish to play your part in #Mission500k, find out more see their website or follow the " target="_blank">facebook event page for details: