How a Pune woman beat lymphoma and built an organic kitchen that feeds over 1,000 a day

Harshada Prakash Temghare, a Pune woman, overcame lymphoma at the age of 32 or 33, defying the skepticism of doctors who attributed her illness to changing diets and lifestyles. During her treatment, the family faced a daunting financial burden for chemotherapy and radiation, estimating it to cost Rs 20 to 22 lakh. Instead of succumbing to despair, Harshada opted for an organic lifestyle, turning to Abhinav Farmers Club and Dnyaneshwar Bodke, who guided her in adopting a holistic approach to recovery.

After two rounds of chemotherapy, the swelling in her face subsided, and she felt a renewed sense of purpose. Harshada decided to feed others, launching an organic kitchen in Pune's Wargaon area. The kitchen, which uses traditional vessels and locally-sourced ingredients, serves over 1,000 tiffins daily to Hinjawadi, Wakad, and surrounding regions. It offers Jain meals and has promoted millet-based food since 2019.

The initiative not only helped her community but also gave Harshada a sense of service. She has spoken at cancer patient lectures and received a Mahila Shetkari (woman farmer) certificate. Harshada's husband, Prakash Temghare, and friends have been her pillars of strength throughout her journey. She credits her recovery to a divine intervention, expressing her desire for others to learn from her story.