Narayanan Krishnan, a 29-year-old chef from India who founded a non-profit body to feed the homeless and destitute, has been short-listed by CNN for its annual ‘Hero of the Year’ honour that recognises “everyday individuals who are changing the world.”

Mr. Krishnan founded his nonprofit Akshaya Trust in 2003.

He has served more than 1.2 million meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - to India’s homeless and destitute, mostly elderly people abandoned by their families and often abused.

Mr. Krishnan brings hot meals and dignity to India’s homeless and destitute - 365 days a year.

“I saw a very old man eating his own human waste for food,” Mr. Krishnan told. “It really hurt me so much.”

Haunted by the image, Mr. Krishnan quit his job within a week. Helping the old man, Mr. Krishnan said he decided to “serve all the mentally ill destitute and people who cannot take care of themselves.”

Mr. Krishnan and his team cover nearly 125 miles in a donated van. He provides hot meals - simple vegetarian fare - that he personally prepares, packs and often hand-feeds to nearly 400 people each day.

The group’s operations cost about USD 327 a day, but sponsored donations only cover 22 days a month.

Since investing his entire savings of USD 2,500 in 2002, he has taken no salary. Due to lack of funding, the group was also forced to stop construction on Akshaya Home, Mr. Krishnan’s vision of a dormitory for the people he helps.

“Despite the demands and few comforts his lifestyle affords”, Mr. Krishnan says “he’s enjoying his life”.