A community that eats together, makes rotis together. This has become a motto for ladies from the Dawoodi Bohras of Melbourne who come together every day to make rotis or flatbreads that are served in the communal meals after iftar (breaking of the fast) during Ramadan.
Nafisa Zakir, 56, has been a pioneering woman in this team. What started as an individual contribution to FMB community kitchen meals and women-only get-togethers has today turned into a collaborative movement in the closely-knit community.
“Initially, I filled FMB tiffins alone, starting with 60 and eventually increasing to 120 tiffins. As the numbers grew, I trained a group of women to contribute to the daily routine of filling tiffins and helped organize their schedules in a rota system. This way, we could manage the workload more effectively,” she said.
The spirit of collaboration has led to a new initiative this Ramadan where community members come together daily to prepare rotis for nearly 440 individuals over the course of 30 days. Previously, members used to prepare rotis at home and had them delivered to the community centre before the dinner service. However, this year, they make it a point to assemble everyday, enjoy friendly conversations and work as a team to serve the community.
“This isn’t just about food—it’s about building bonds and sharing experiences whilst working towards a common goal. Everyone has a role—some knead the dough, some cook the rotis, and we all share the work equally,” Nafisa continued.
In East Melbourne, a team of 25 women arrive an hour-and-a-half early to prepare the rotis, ensuring that everything is ready before the dinner service. Similarly, the second venue, in the north, prepares itself for the service, albeit serving a smaller number of 64 members.
What’s truly inspiring about this initiative is that it’s entirely voluntary.
It’s not easy as the majority of the members reside at considerable distances from the community center and are drowned in busy schedules. Despite managing full-time jobs and household responsibilities, many women continue to volunteer. What’s even more heartening is the involvement of the younger generation—the majority of volunteers are young girls, and it’s clear that they, too, have embraced the spirit of service.
Nafisa says her inspiration comes from the community’s leader, His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin who emphasises on the act of making rotis and the values it instills.
Like any group effort, there have been challenges along the way. In the beginning, women were hesitant, often struggling to arrive on time. But gradually things have improved.
“Now, everyone comes on time, and we’ve become more efficient. The system works well, and the rotis have truly become a labour of love. Everyone volunteers happily,” said Nafisa.
This experience has created lasting bonds within the community. Women who once came together simply to make rotis have bonded and forged lasting connections.
She hopes to help continue this beautiful tradition even after Ramadan. “In the future, we will encourage men and women of the community to come together at least once a week to make rotis together.”
In addition to her contribution with making rotis, Nafisa is also an active member of the Dana Committee, where she contributes in the efforts to reduce food wastage. She also teaches children about sustainability by encouraging them to collect leftover date seeds and segregate waste at the source.
Nafisa Zakir’s dedication to the roti making efforts within the Melbourne community both during Ramadan and throughout the year is a powerful example of how one person’s voluntary efforts can create a ripple effect, strengthening communal bonds and preserving cultural traditions.
