Russell Market , the historic Fruits and Vegetable Market of Bengaluru always evokes nostalgia and excitement. This time around the buzz and excitement in the market is about the “Dates-Man” Idrees Chaudhary , who specializes in selling dates from across the Globe.

Idrees Chaudhary is now Dr Idrees Cahudhary , having been conferred with a Doctorate in Humanity and Social Service for his noble service to humanity.

While Dr Idrees has been at the fore-front in charitable works and public service , but he never expected that he  would be awarded a Doctorate for Public Service. After Cyclone Vardah hit Tamilnadu in December 2016 , Dr Idrees Chaudhary led a drive amongst the traders in Shivaji Nagar and Russell Market to gather relief material. His initiative saw him and his friends gathering 11 trucks of relief Material for the people of Nagapattinam, Puducherry and other affected areas . He and his team of volunteers didn’t just flag off the relief material but over 30 of them went to the affected areas to distribute the same.

Chennai based The National University of Peace and Education recognized his efforts and awarded him a Doctorate for Humanity . The recognition has inspired Dr Idrees and other traders in Russell market area. “I never expected that I would receive a Doctorate for my work. I dedicate this honour to all my friends and colleague traders of Shivaji Nagar area who joined me in the social work. I am sure that this recognition will inspire many more to come and work for the development of the society  through sharing and caring” says Dr Idrees Chaudhary

Apart from the yeoman service during Cyclone Vardah,  Dr Idrees Chaudhary and the members of the Russell Market association partake in supply of free food and fruits to the needy.  They organize camps for the labourers in the area , a huge majority of them are from Tamilnadu. “ In midst of our daily work we try to ensure that we take care of these poor coolies and workers who are a vital link tour businesses. We help them financially and with food and clothing . It’s just that Almighty inspires us to do good for the society” adds Dr Idrees Chaudhary

The Russell Market Traders Association which felicitated Dr Idrees for the Doctorate is now looking at formalizing this spirit of Charity and is planning a Registered Trust for the welfare of the people of the Russell market area. “My constituency Shivaji Nagar is a mini- India and this Doctorate for Dr Idrees is recognition of the spirit of Unity. I hope that together we will be able to work for upliftment of the people in a big way” feels ex- Minister Roshan Baig .