Story of resurrection; Johnson is now addicted to feeding people

KOCHI: There is a story of resurrection in the life of KG Johnson, a labourer from Elamkunnapuzha. This 51-year-old, who was once known as a full-time alcoholic, has fed thousands of people in 32 years.

Johnson started drinking Vattu charayam (locally distilled arrack) at the age of 12. After becoming an adult, he used to drink regularly by spending up to Rs 500 a day. When Johnson's condition worsened, his brother took him to a meditation centre in Thrissur in 1992. He returned from there as a new man. After saying goodbye to alcohol, Johnson took a vow- to feed those who were wandering on the streets and those who were struggling to find food.

He started by providing food to four or five people. Now, he provides pothichoru (lunch pack) to around 150 people every day. Johnson is able to constantly feed the poor as his neighbours, acquaintances, and organizations help him financially after learning about his good intentions.

In 1998, Johnson and his wife Shini built a small house with support from the locals and the nearby church. Locals provide him with a lot of support for the treatment of his second daughter Jisna, who is autistic, and for the studies of his third daughter Joshna. His eldest daughter Juliet has a temporary job in a financial institution.