The Story ofFREE CHAI DAYRazy Shah Co-Founder, Little India DirectoryCo-Founder, Free Chai Day

Before We Begin

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What is Free Chai Day?

A Quest

2 South Asianslaunched Little India Directory (http://littleindiadirectory.com)

Little India Riot 2013 in SingaporeResulted in a bad reputation for South Asians

Requirements to Change PerceptionsSimple & Practical Solution

Easy on the Pocket (should be accessible and cheap)

Improve perception and promote harmony

Use technology (we are techies after all)

Why Chai?

Inspiration

Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

“The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger. The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The third time you share a cup of tea, you become family...”

About Chai

Indian Tea Legend

History of tea drinking in India began with a saintly Buddhist monk, who later founded Zen Buddhism, about almost 2000 years ago. He decided to spend seven sleepless years contemplating the life and teachings of Buddha.

Indian Tea Legend

In the 5th year of contemplation, he almost fell asleep and started chewing leaves from a nearby bush that revived him and helped him stay awake whenever he felt drowsy. Thus, he was able to complete his 7-year penance.

Tea in India – A History

The tea drinking culture of India is a remnant of its colonial past, brought about by British influence. The British commercialized tea production in 1833.

Tea in India – A History

The British gave away free tea to workers in factories and used the extensive Indian rail network to distribute the tea. The addictive taste of tea and its status symbol (a drink for royalty and upper class) created a nation of tea drinkers.

Benefits of Masala Chai

Cardamom – good for digestionCloves – used for relieving cough/coldCinnamon – rich in anti-oxidants

Importance to Indian Culture

Any visitors. Anywhere.

‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ means ‘The Guest is God’. Indian culture considers guests to be Gods and hence guests are shown great hospitality. To show great respect to guests, they are served chai.

Meeting A Prospective Bride

82% of Indian marriages are arranged. One custom is that a potential bride first sees her prospective husband as she serves him and his family chai. She is judged on the quality of the chai by her possible in-laws and husband.

Get-Together / Reunions

Family reunions, government meetings, college get-togethers – in short, all social/work gatherings – have a constant flow of chai served. The photo above is from the Golden Temple in Amritsar – which serves 30,000 cups of tea per day to devotees.

In Essence

CHAI IS UTILIZED AS

A PLATFORM TO

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

Our Aims Align With Chai

Build Relationships

Portray South Asian hospitality

Keep it Simple

Two Chais Away From Being Family

Have You Had Your Chai Yet?Take one or more of the following actions:

Facebook:Like Us & Leave a Post on our Wall

Post on your Wall with hashtag #freechaiday

Twitter:Tweet with hashtag #freechaiday

Comment on our blog post

The End

Certain images credit to Chai Wallahs of India.