Personal Journey
At just 17, Om Hemdev has achieved what many seasoned entrepreneurs only dream of— transforming lives through a purpose-driven start-up. As the founder of OH Food Cooking, Om is making headlines for addressing one of the most pressing issues in India: child malnutrition. His innovative mid-day meal service has earned him a coveted spot on the cover of Youth Incorporated Magazine, cementing his place as a young changemaker with a vision for a healthier and more equitable future.
The Genesis of OH Food Cooking
Om’s inspiration for OH Food Cooking came from his firsthand observation of the challenges faced by children in underserved communities. While volunteering for various social initiatives, he noticed that many children struggled to concentrate in school due to hunger. This realization sparked the idea for a venture that would provide healthy, affordable meals to these children.
Educational & Achievements
“I realized that no matter how good the education system is, a hungry child cannot focus on learning,” Om shares. “I wanted to create a solution that not only fills their stomachs but also nourishes their minds and bodies.”
In 2022, Om turned his vision into reality by launching OH Food Cooking, a start-up that delivers nutritious meals to underprivileged schoolchildren. The initiative quickly gained traction, with local schools and communities rallying around the cause.
From Start-Up to Social Movement
Under Om’s leadership, OH Food Cooking has served thousands of meals to schools across Mumbai. His innovative approach combines sustainability, community engagement, and a deep understanding of nutritional science. By sourcing ingredients locally, he ensures the meals are cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
“Every meal we serve is crafted with care and designed to meet dietary needs,” Om explains. “We’ve developed partnerships with local farmers and suppliers to ensure that the food is fresh, nutritious, and affordable. It’s about creating a ripple effect of positive change.”
But OH Food Cooking is more than just a meal service. Om has launched nutrition education programs for students and their families, teaching them the importance of balanced diets. His growing social media presence, especially on Instagram under the handle @OH_Food, has further amplified the message, inspiring young people to take action for social good.
Balancing Academics and Entrepreneurship
Despite his demanding role as a founder, Om is also an IB Diploma student at the American School of Bombay, excelling in subjects like Economics and Global Politics. Balancing schoolwork and entrepreneurship isn’t easy, but Om thrives under pressure.
“Time management is key,” Om admits. “I’ve learned to prioritize and delegate effectively. My school has been incredibly supportive, and my teachers often guide me on how to apply academic concepts to real-world challenges.”
Om’s leadership extends beyond his start-up. As the CSR Head at his school, he spearheads initiatives ranging from vaccination campaigns for stray animals to teaching financial literacy to underprivileged children. He’s also a seasoned chess player with international accolades, a trained mixed martial artist, and a passionate skier.
The Challenges and Triumphs
Like any entrepreneur, Om has faced his share of challenges. From securing funding to convincing schools to adopt the program, the journey hasn’t always been smooth. However, his determination and ability to adapt have been his greatest assets. “Convincing schools to partner with us was tough initially,” Om recalls. “But once they saw the impact on students—better concentration, improved health—they became our strongest advocates. It taught me that perseverance and data-backed results can overcome even the toughest obstacles.”
His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. OH Food Cooking has received accolades from local NGOs and community leaders, and Om himself has been invited to speak at youth leadership forums.
A Vision for the Future
Being on the cover of Youth Incorporated Magazine is a milestone for Om, but he sees it as just the beginning. He has ambitious plans to scale OH Food Cooking to a national level, incorporating technology to streamline operations and expand its reach. “My dream is to make OH Food a nationwide movement,” he says. “I want every child in India to have access to at least one nutritious meal a day. And I’m committed to making this dream a reality.”
Om also plans to further his education in business and entrepreneurship, equipping himself with the skills to scale his impact. “College will be a stepping stone for me,” he explains. “I want to learn from the best minds and bring those insights back to my venture.”
As Om graces the cover of Youth Incorporated Magazine, he stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration. His journey from a high school student with an idea to a celebrated entrepreneur is proof that change is possible, no matter your age.
Interview Session
What inspired you to start OH Food Cooking?
The inspiration came from a realization that hunger directly impacts a child’s ability to focus and succeed in school. While volunteering with underserved communities, I saw firsthand how proper nutrition was a barrier to education. I wanted to create a solution that went beyond charity and focused on sustainability and empowerment. That’s how OH Food Cooking was born—to deliver healthy, cost-effective meals to students and make a tangible difference in their lives.
What challenges did you face when starting OHFood Cooking, and how did you overcome them?
One major challenge was convincing schools to partner with us. Many were skeptical about the quality and consistency we could deliver. To address this, I focused on building strong relationships and presenting data on the nutritional impact of our meals. It was also challenging to source ingredients sustainably while keeping costs low, but local partnerships with farmers and suppliers helped us overcome that hurdle.
What’s the most rewarding moment you’ve experienced through OH Food Cooking?
One of the most rewarding moments was seeing an entire class of children thrive academically after consistently receiving our meals. Their teachers reported better attendance and focus, which affirmed that our work was making a real difference. Moments like these remind me why I started OH Food Cooking in the first place.
How do you plan to scale OH Food Cooking in the future?
The goal is to expand nationally and eventually globally. We’re working on incorporating technology to streamline meal distribution and enhance tracking. I also plan to collaborate with more NGOs and government programs to amplify our reach and impact.
You recently interned with Nuvama Wealth Management in Dubai. How did that experience shape you?
The internship was incredible. Being one of only 200 students selected globally was humbling. At Nuvama, I learned about financial strategy and wealth management on a global scale. I also gained insights into how financial markets intersect with sustainability—a lesson I plan to apply to OH Food Cooking as we scale.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned during your internship?
Adaptability. Working in a fast-paced, multicultural environment taught me how to think on my feet and embrace diverse perspectives. It also reaffirmed the importance of discipline and strategic thinking, qualities that are key to any entrepreneurial journey.
As CSR Head at your school, how have you impacted your community?
One of my proudest achievements has been organizing financial literacy workshops for underprivileged children. We also launched sustainability initiatives within our school, like waste segregation programs and tree-planting drives. I believe leadership is about empowering others to create change.
How do you balance academics, entrepreneurship, and extracurricular activities?
Time management is critical. I use tools like calendars and to-do lists to prioritize tasks. But most importantly, I focus on things I’m passionate about. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work, and you find ways to balance everything.
Rapid Fire
Q. Describe yourself in three words.
A: Resilient, Innovative, Compassionate.
Q. Who is your biggest inspiration/role model?
A: My grandfather—he taught me the importance of hard work and giving back to the community.
Q. What’s your favourite type of cuisine?
A: Indian, especially a good paneer tikka masala with naan!
Q. Would you rather dance or swim?
A: Swim—I love the calm focus it brings.
Q. Are you more of a bookworm or a binge-watcher?
A: Bookworm—I enjoy reading about business and entrepreneurship.
Q. What is your dream job?
A: Building OH Food Cooking into a global social enterprise that redefines nutrition for underserved communities.
