Rameswaram: At the age of 70, when most people are executing their retirement plans, this woman in Tamil Nadu with unmatchable grit is serving the poor.
Rani runs an idli shop near Agni Tirtham in Rameswaram and serves free food to the needy.
Donning a bright smile on her face, she works relentlessly and earns her own livelihood. While she provides food to the poor for free, she charges a minimum amount from the rest of her customers.
Rani owns at a makeshift shop at Agni Thirtham seashore and uses the traditional wooden stove to prepare food.
Assisted by a temporary labourer, she works throughout the year to serve idli at the cost Rs 30 in a city where the residents say a plate of idli costs at least Rs 60.
"I do not have a proper shop, what I have is a temporary makeshift arrangement. People come to me only because of the love I shower on them. I never treat them as my customers, rather I consider them a member of my family," she said, adding, "Although I am old, I earn my livelihood."
Rani said she still uses the traditional wooden stove to prepare her food because it is "economical".
Rakku, who works at her idli shop, said the shop provides temporary employment to her. "I hail from a fisherman family. When we do not go to fishing, I work here," she said.
She said that Rani does not insist on money if anyone is not able to pay for the food. "So many people are our daily customers. We do not insist on the money. Even if anyone does not have money, you serve them the food and do not insist for payment," Rakku said.
Rani's roadside shop is famous amongst locals and tourists.
"In Rameswaram, If you visit any hotel and have food, it will cost you at least Rs 60 but this shop offers food in just Rs 30. The most important thing is even on this age she works and maintains the old methods to prepare the food," Nagendran, a customer said.
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