After the lockdown, many people are struggling to keep up with the businesses, whether big or small; but not K Kamalathal. She is an 85-year-old woman who lives in a small town near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and has been offering freshly made idlis for ₹1… even during the COVID-19 lockdown!
What’s More?
K Kamalathal is an 85-yr-old woman who lives in a small town called Vadivelampalayam. This place is located on the outskirts of Coimbatore and is 40-minutes drive away from the city. What makes this woman so special, is the fact that she has been offering a really unique service, which is selling idlis for ₹1 only!
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The beloved old granny has been doing this for the last 30 years and has continued to do this even during COVID-19 lockdown. In a recent interview, she was reported as saying that, despite the cost of the ingredients rising, she will not be increasing the cost of her idlis. Her main clientele are daily wage labourers and locals, who are not often able to afford complete meals. So, she would continue to cater to them.
What’s Cooking?
Kamalathal cooks around 1,000 idlis in a day. From making the batter to chutney, and even steaming them, she does it all on her own. When she started off, she used to sell each idli for 50 paise. She raised the cost around 15 years ago to ₹1.
Over a period of time, the idlis had become so popular that people from neighbouring districts would also come all the way, just to have freshly steamed idlis made by her. Now, because of lockdown, the only people who come to have food are from Vadivelampalayam.
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According to news reports, Kamalathal recently met DMK President MK Stalin who helped her in catering for essentials. Not just that. The Bharathiar University and members of Hindustan Scouts and Guides also came forth to her with groceries to continue with her business.
At the age of 85, she continues to help people out in the best way possible. No shortcoming is hampering her will to do good and be there for others. During these times, it is stories like these that bring a smile on our faces. Don’t they?