Delhi restaurants and a chef offer free food and shelter to protesters at Jantar Mantar

As the nationwide NEET paper leak protests continue to intensify, stories of solidarity and compassion are emerging alongside the demonstrations. Amid heavy rains and long hours spent at protest sites, a heartwarming gesture by a Delhi-based chef has touched thousands online after he chose to support protesting students in the simplest yet most meaningful way, by preparing homemade food for them.A viral video circulating on social media shows the chef making dozens of fresh sandwiches in his kitchen before personally delivering them to students protesting at Jantar Mantar. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sachin Sangwan | Real Journey ️ (@sachinsangwanofficial) CJP Jantar Mantar Protest LIVE: CJP Seeks Neutral Venue For 2nd Round Of Talks After Govt's OutreachExplaining the reason behind his initiative, the chef said he wanted to contribute to the movement in whatever way he could. Since cooking is his profession, he felt feeding hungry students would be the most meaningful form of support.Initially, he considered placing a bulk food order through an online delivery platform. However, he soon realised that preparing the sandwiches himself would significantly reduce costs, allowing him to serve a much larger number of protesters without compromising on quality.The video captures the chef carefully assembling the sandwiches before heading to the protest site, where he can be seen personally distributing the food among students gathered at Jantar Mantar. His thoughtful gesture has resonated with social media users, many of whom praised him for turning his skills into an act of service.Jantar Mantar Protest: These Delhi Restaurants Are Offering Free Food, Stay & Refreshments For Students Protesting Amid Heavy Rains; Check OutWATCH: NEET Paper Leak Mumbai Protesters Perform Norwegian 'Viking Row' Chanting 'Resign'; Video Goes ViralThe chef's initiative comes at a time when several local businesses in Delhi have also stepped forward to support students participating in the demonstrations.Earlier, restaurants including Garnita's in Meherchand Market, Lodhi Colony, and Dumbo Deli announced that they would provide free drinking water, refreshments, seating, phone charging facilities and temporary shelter to protesters. Both establishments invited students to take a break from the demonstrations, rest, rehydrate and regain their energy before returning to the protest site, especially as heavy rainfall continued to make conditions more challenging.

As the ongoing NEET paper leak protests continue to gather momentum across the country, Jantar Mantar in New Delhi has emerged as one of the key sites where students have assembled to voice their demands. Despite heavy rainfall and challenging weather conditions, protesters have continued their demonstrations, facing long hours outdoors with limited access to basic facilities.With rain adding to the logistical difficulties, several local businesses and restaurants have stepped forward to support the students by offering free refreshments, shelter and essential amenities.One such establishment is Garnita's, located in Meherchand Market, Lodhi Colony. The restaurant shared a heartfelt message on social media, inviting protesters to take a break and make use of its facilities. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Garnita’s (@garnitasdelhi) India Couture Week 2026: Netizens Slam Indian Designers For Hosting Fashion Shows During Countrywide Student ProtestsThe statement read, "For anyone at Jantar Mantar: Some moments ask us to show up for one another in whatever ways we can. This is ours." It further added, "Come in for a glass of water, a quiet seat, somewhere to charge your phone, refreshments, or simply a moment to gather yourself before heading back."The restaurant assured students that water and refreshments would be available for anyone in need, while encouraging them to prioritise their safety. Concluding the message, it said, "Please stay safe, take care of yourselves, and look after one another. Our doors are open for you."Another Delhi eatery extending support is Dumbo Deli, which announced that its Meherchand Market (MCM) and New Friends Colony (NFC) outlets would remain open for protesters seeking a place to rest. View this post on Instagram A post shared by DUMBO (@dumbo.deli) CJP Jantar Mantar Protest LIVE: 'PM Must Take Responsibility For NEET Unrest,' Says Priyanka Gandhi; Blames Him Over Students' ProtestIn its statement, the restaurant said, "A city is at its best when it looks after its people. To everyone at Jantar Mantar today, thank you for standing up for what you believe in." Acknowledging the physical and emotional strain of prolonged demonstrations, it added, "If you need a moment away from the crowd, a glass of water, somewhere to sit, or simply a quiet corner to regroup, our doors are open."The message concluded with an assurance that the outlets would be offering free shelter and refreshments to anyone who required them, along with the appeal: "Stay hydrated. Stay safe. Take care of one another. We'll be here."As the protests continue amid persistent rainfall, these gestures of solidarity from local restaurants have been widely appreciated online, highlighting how members of the community are coming together to provide comfort and support to students during a difficult time.