The Eger Civil Roundtable is a grassroots organization composed of the leaders of foundations and associations in the county seat and its surrounding area; organized into 12 sections, it represents numerous important fields. Each year, the leaders of the sections—which cover charity, sports, culture, law, tourism, environmental protection, science, and other fields—select a business that provided the greatest assistance to the civil society sector in the region over the past year.

This time, the award—the certificate for “Civil Supporter of the Year”—was presented to Mádhava Govinda Kft., which operates the restaurant in Eger; they earned this recognition with the support of the Food for Life Foundation and its food assistance program. In addition to the restaurant’s regular menu, Govinda’s excellent chefs prepare 650 servings of one-dish meals every day (!), which are distributed by staff from the Food for Life Foundation to those in need in Eger and the surrounding area.

„The Govinda restaurant was originally established in the ’90s to provide meals for Krishna-devotee monks, but word of its high-quality vegetarian food quickly spread throughout the city, and—in response to public demand—it became available to the general public as well. The healthy dishes made from local, high-quality ingredients, combined with the staff’s dedication to their work and hospitality, have proven over the long term that a restaurant can be successful even without fast food or alcohol. They prepare both healthy one-dish meals in the Hungarian tradition and culinary specialties with Eastern spices. Their menu features three types of vegetable-based main courses, two types of side dishes, salads, homemade baked goods, various types of bread, delicious soups, and at least three types of desserts. The menu, which is updated daily, also includes vegetarian and vegan dishes that offer a substantial and delicious alternative even for meat-eaters. They have many regulars, but an increasing number of domestic and international tourists also appreciate their offerings, enjoying their lunch in the cozy outdoor seating area when the weather is nice.

The county chamber awarded them the “Fair Partner” award in recognition of their ethical conduct and business practices toward their guests, employees, and suppliers. They strive to conserve energy and operate with environmental considerations in mind (from waste collection to transportation to marketing), they prioritize local ingredients and also support local farmers in the area.

The business also carries out significant social activities, as, before preparing the meals served in the restaurant, they cook 650 (!) portions of one-dish meals daily on behalf of the Food for Life Foundation, which are then distributed to those in need. Each year, they support the nonprofit sector and those in need with donations worth several million forints and services provided at cost.

They are always open to requests and support special events, youth programs, and children’s camps by providing food tastings and sweets. They also do exemplary work in the spirit of humanity, which has earned them the recognition of the local community and the civil society, and they set an example for other businesses and restaurants.”

At the awards ceremony, Omkarnátha Prabhu (Olivér Nyolcas), the manager of the restaurant and the Eger branch of “Food for Life,” expressed his gratitude for the award with the following remarks:

„It is a great honor to join the ranks of past award winners and to be counted among these renowned companies. We started out as inexperienced teenagers in the „90s, and today Govinda has grown into a recognized business. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of our close-knit team and the Krishna-conscious community of devotees! For us, this isn’t just a job—it’s a mission, an enthusiasm that comes from the heart and from love. Empathy, love for humanity, helping others, a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, and living an ethical, exemplary life are the hallmarks of every ”Govinda.”.

I’m currently representing Govinda, but my heart beats for “Food for Life: Feeding the Needy.” Half the time I coordinate the cooking, and the other half I coordinate the distribution of meals, whether to restaurant guests or people in need.