A baby cried, a tea seller offered one glass of milk, and a 35-year tradition began: How a small act of kindness in Bihar became a family mission

At a small tea stall near Rajgir Bus Stand in Nalanda, Bihar, a simple sign carries an unusual promise: babies from birth to 18 months can get milk without paying for it. What began as a small act of kindness more than three decades ago has continued through the years, helping families who may find it difficult to afford milk for their young children.

The initiative was started in 1990 by tea seller Shravan Kumar, who noticed that some families visiting Rajgir struggled to arrange milk for their infants. Instead of simply sympathising with them, he decided to provide milk to babies free of cost.

More than 30 years later, the practice continues at the same tea stall, turning an ordinary roadside shop into a place associated with compassion and community support.


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Bihar tea seller started free milk service after seeing a hungry baby

Shravan Kumar's decision reportedly began with a simple incident. According to a report by ETV Bharat, Shravan once heard a baby crying near his tea stall and realised that the child was hungry. He gave the baby's mother a glass of milk. When the baby stopped crying after drinking it, the experience stayed with him.

Shravan then decided that any family with a young child in need of milk could approach his stall and receive it without having to worry about the cost.

Hindustan later reported that the tea stall became known for providing free milk to children from birth to 18 months. A board outside the stall informs visitors about the service.

Free milk for babies became part of the tea stall’s identity

What started as a one-time gesture gradually became a daily practice. The service was not launched as a formal campaign or fundraising initiative. Instead, providing milk to babies became part of the tea stall's routine.

According to reports, Shravan also chose to fund the initiative himself. Oneindia reported that people offered donations after learning about his efforts, but he preferred to continue paying for the milk from his own earnings.

For Shravan, helping a hungry child was apparently more important than receiving recognition for the gesture.

Shravan Kumar died in 2000, but his brother continued the tradition

Shravan died in 2000, but his initiative did not end with him. His younger brother, Ranjit Kumar, popularly known as Tunna Baba, took over the tea stall and continued providing free milk to young children.

Hindustan reported in November 2023 that Ranjit had been continuing the service for 33 years, counting from the time Shravan first began it in 1990.

The story has therefore become more than an account of one person's generosity. It is also about a family preserving an initiative started by a loved one and keeping it alive for decades.

Rajgir tea stall distributes litres of milk every day

According to Nalanda Live, Ranjit distributes around 3 to 4 litres of milk every day to children. The demand can increase considerably during busy periods.

During events such as the Malmas Mela, when Rajgir attracts large numbers of visitors, the requirement can reportedly rise to around 10 to 15 litres of milk a day.

The family is said to meet the cost through its own earnings rather than depending on outside donations.

‘What will I take with me?’: Ranjit’s philosophy on helping others

Ranjit's approach to the initiative appears to be rooted in his belief that money is not the only measure of wealth.

Speaking to Nalanda Live, he reportedly explained that he uses part of the tea stall's earnings to buy milk for children. His philosophy, as reported by the outlet, is that material possessions cannot be taken with a person after death, while the blessings of people can offer a different kind of fulfilment.

The sentiment has helped keep the initiative going without turning it into a commercial or publicity-driven effort.

Free milk initiative continues near Rajgir Bus Stand

The tea stall is located near Rajgir Bus Stand, an area visited by residents as well as tourists and travellers.

Families who notice the sign can approach the stall if their young children need milk. Over the years, the initiative has also attracted attention online, with visitors praising the family's efforts and sharing posts about the service.

The sign outside the stall serves as a quiet invitation to parents who may need help.

A glass of milk became a 30-year legacy

The story of the Shravan Tea Stall began with something remarkably simple, a glass of milk given to a hungry baby.

Shravan saw a child in need and responded with what he could offer. His small gesture eventually became a daily tradition, and after his death, his brother chose to continue it.

More than three decades later, the initiative remains a reminder that community service does not always begin with a large organisation, substantial funding or a formal campaign.

Sometimes, it starts with noticing someone's need and choosing to help.

At a modest tea stall in Rajgir, that simple act has continued for generations, one glass of milk at a time.


Inputs from TOI