Before Ikkayees became a restaurant, it was simply a group of college students in Kozhikode trying to understand what it means to care. Our journey began through Students in Palliative Care (SIPC), where we were introduced to people, situations, and realities that stayed with us far beyond those early days. The efforts you will read about in these pages come from that time; small, honest attempts to show up where it mattered, without expecting anything in return. This booklet is not a complete record of everything we have done. It is only a collection of a few moments that we were able to hold on to: through photos, notes, and memories. Much of what happened along the way was never documented, and we never really set out to present it either. But over time, we felt the need to keep a simple record of whatever we could, for ourselves and for those who have been part of this journey. These pages are just that: fragments of a much larger story, put together with honesty. Not to highlight, but to remember.

On 11th October 2014, SIPC volunteers gathered at Kozhikode Beach as part of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day. Around 70 kites were flown, turning the beach into a visible space for awareness. The activity helped draw public attention to palliative care in a simple and engaging way. It marked one of the early efforts to take the message beyond formal settings and into the community.

On December 13, 2014, a “Three Legged Rally” was organised from Stadium Junction to Calicut Beach as part of Students Palcon 2015, an international conference focused on youth in palliative care. The rally followed the idea of “3 steps - 2 souls - 1 aim,” where students, volunteers, members of the public, and the police all came together to be part of the initiative. The event was flagged off at 10:00 AM by Mr. A.V. George IPS, City Police Commissioner. It was a simple yet meaningful effort to raise awareness of the importance of palliative care and encourage young people to be socially responsible.

In June 2015, as part of the #BecauseICare initiative, the team spent time with children living in shelter homes. The team engaged with the children through conversations and simple activities that brought comfort and ease. The visit highlighted how care is not always about providing things, but about being present. It was also a moment to reflect on how easily such realities go unnoticed in everyday life. A quiet effort, but one that left a lasting impact on everyone involved.

As part of the #BecauseICare initiative, a session was conducted at JDT Islam Arts & Science College to engage with students and volunteers. The programme focused on encouraging young people to take part in social responsibility and community care. Speakers and participants discussed how individual efforts can come together to create a larger impact. The idea was simple: to move from “Because I Care” to “Because We Care” as a collective effort. The session brought together students, faculty, and organisers for a meaningful exchange of ideas.

In July 2015, as part of the #BecauseICare initiative, Operation Sulaimani box distribution was carried out in Calicut. Volunteers distributed collection boxes across different locations to encourage small contributions towards palliative care activities. The idea was to make it easy for people to take part, even in simple ways. With the support of volunteers and the public, the initiative helped build awareness and involvement in the cause. It was a collective effort that showed how small contributions can come together to make a difference.

On August 15, 2015, a special outing was organised at Calicut Beach for paraplegic patients, accompanied by SIPC volunteers. The visit gave patients a chance to experience the beach, something many of them don’t often get the opportunity to do. Volunteers assisted throughout, ensuring everyone could comfortably take part in the outing. The event was supported by individuals, including Mr. Prasanth and the directors of IPM. It turned into a meaningful day for both the patients and volunteers, marked by simple moments and genuine interaction.

In September 2015, an orientation session was conducted at AWH Engineering College to introduce students to initiatives like Operation Sulaimani, AnteaKood, and palliative care activities. The session focused on creating awareness about community involvement and the role students can play in such efforts. Volunteers shared insights into ongoing work and encouraged participation from the student community. It also served as a platform to connect with first-year students and familiarise them with these initiatives. The interaction helped bring attention to the importance of extending care beyond oneself.

In October 2015, a session was conducted at MAMO College as part of World Food Day, focusing on the idea behind Operation Sulaimani. The programme introduced students to the concept of addressing hunger through small, community-driven efforts. The session served as an opportunity to connect awareness with action among the student community.

In January 2016, a programme titled “Santhwana Meet” was organised as a joint initiative involving KGNSA and palliative care volunteers. The event focused on bringing together individuals involved in care work and creating space for discussion and interaction. It was inaugurated by Shri N. Prasanth IAS, with participation from volunteers and members of the community.

In February 2016, the efforts of young volunteers involved in palliative care and community support were recognised by the then District Collector of Kozhikode. The acknowledgement highlighted their active role in supporting patients, organising initiatives, and contributing to the social fabric of the city. The recognition reflected how consistent, small efforts can make a visible difference in people’s lives. It also brought attention to the growing presence of youth in social responsibility initiatives across Kozhikode.

Ikkayees first took shape as a food truck in Kozhikode, and this is where the core idea truly began. Home-cooked meals were prepared by women from different parts of Calicut, allowing them to earn from their own kitchens. These meals were then brought together and served through the food truck, creating a simple but meaningful system of support. In the evenings, the truck would be stationed along Calicut Beach, serving fresh, homely food to people who gathered there.

In May 2017, Ikkayees was featured in Deccan Chronicle, highlighting its journey from palliative care volunteering to becoming a restaurant with a social purpose. The article focused on how a group of young volunteers started Ikkayees, connecting food with community support. It also noted that a part of the income was directed towards supporting paraplegic patients and their families. The feature brought attention to the idea of combining everyday business with social responsibility.

In August 2017, a birthday celebration was organised at Nadakkav Colony as part of a community initiative. The event brought together children and volunteers for a simple gathering focused on spending time together. Customers of Ikkayees also contributed, helping make the celebration possible. The idea was to extend the occasion beyond a personal event and include others in it. It was a small effort aimed at bringing a sense of joy and togetherness within the community.

In January 2018, a food fest titled “Aleesa: Farookinte Salkaram” was organised at Farook College, centred around the traditional Malabar dish, Aleesa. The event was inaugurated by Muhammed Suhail T.V., then Managing Director of Hotel Rahmath and KHRA District President. Students from different departments took part by setting up food stalls and presenting a variety of dishes. The programme included judging and prize distribution as part of the event. It was an engaging initiative that brought together students through food and participation.

In April 2018, a “Run for Palliative Care” was organised at Kozhikode Beach, bringing together a large number of participants. The event saw the involvement of volunteers, organisations, and the public, all coming together to support the cause. It aimed to raise awareness about palliative care and the importance of community involvement. The run was conducted with coordination from different groups, including supporting organisations. It was an active and visible effort to bring attention to the needs of patients and ongoing care initiatives.

As part of the Flex Challenge, an initiative was carried out in association with Blood Donors Kerala to collect unused flex boards from across the city. These materials, which would otherwise go to waste, were repurposed to create roofing for houses of families in need. With it being the time of the FIFA World Cup, flex boards were available in large numbers, making collection easier and more effective. Ikkayees Restaurant served as the central collection point, where materials were gathered and sorted.

In October 2018, an orientation and sensitisation session was conducted at JDT Islam College in collaboration with SIPC and IPM. The session focused on introducing students to palliative care and the role of volunteers in supporting patients. Participants were given an overview of ongoing initiatives and how they could get involved. The interaction included discussions, questions, and inputs from students. It served as an awareness session aimed at encouraging participation in community care activities.

As part of its support initiatives, Ikkayees provided skill training opportunities for three differently abled individuals: Ameen, Mubashir, and Rinshad, within its workspace in association with “We Smile,” Kozhikode. They were given the responsibility of preparing chai at the restaurant, allowing them to learn and contribute through a specific role. The effort focused on helping them build confidence and become more independent in a working environment. The training was carried out with guidance and support from the team, enabling them to engage at their own pace. It was aimed at creating an inclusive space where everyone could take part meaningfully.

During the 2019 floods in Kerala, relief materials were collected and transported to affected areas in Wayanad. The effort involved gathering essential supplies and organising their delivery to those impacted by the floods. Vehicles were arranged to carry the materials, with volunteers coordinating the process. The initiative focused on providing immediate support during a difficult time. It was a response aimed at reaching people with necessities when they were most needed.

In October 2019, Fulaij, founder of Ikkayees, took part in the inauguration and logo launch of the Entrepreneurship Development Club at Sree Narayana Guru College of Advanced Studies. The session also included an interaction with students on entrepreneurship and initiative-building. Faculty members, students, and organisers were present for the programme. It was an academic setting that connected student engagement with real-world experiences.

Ikkayees was associated as a sponsor for the Blitz Cricket League Season 1 held in Dubai in 2022. The tournament featured multiple teams, with the final match conducted at JMR Sporting, Sharjah. The event brought together players and spectators from the community for a competitive sporting experience. Through its involvement, Ikkayees supported the smooth conduct of the league. It was an opportunity to be part of a community-driven sporting event outside Kerala.

Ikkayees was one of the sponsors for HOLA 2K22, an event organised by Blood Donors Kerala in December 2022. The programme was held at Thekkayil Convention Centre, Poonath, with participation from various groups and organisations. As a sponsor, Ikkayees supported the conduct of the event alongside other partners. The initiative brought together community members in a structured event setting. It was part of extending support to programmes organised by volunteer-driven groups

Education changes everything — and in May 2026, Ikkayees showed up to be part of that belief. At Aksharotsavam 3, an education and cultural fest rooted in the coastal communities of Kozhikode, we joined hands with students, families, volunteers, and local organisations to distribute school kits and food essentials. It was a quiet effort, without fanfare — just the simple conviction that no child should walk into a new school year feeling the weight of what they lack. A small contribution, we hope, to a much longer story still being written.