In the heart of our bustling neighborhood, Vijaya, a 39-year-old paani poori vendor, has become a familiar and cherished presence. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. Despite being often overlooked, Vijaya's daily efforts and commitment have earned her a special place in the hearts of many. This article delves into her journey, challenges, and aspirations, shedding light on the life of this remarkable woman.
Vijaya began her journey as a pani poori vendor ten years ago, following a significant setback when her husband lost his job. With limited savings, she decided to turn her passion for cooking into a means of livelihood. Borrowing money from relatives, she purchased initial ingredients and a small cart. The early days were tough, marked by long hours in the sun and an uncertain future. "I still remember those first few days, standing in the sun, hoping someone would buy my paani poori,"Â she recalled. However, her delicious snacks gradually gained popularity, and word of her culinary skills spread throughout the neighborhood.
Vijaya's day is by no means, easy.
"My day starts at 4 AM. I begin by preparing the dough for the puris and making the spicy water and fillings,"Â she explained. By 10 AM, she sets up her cart and remains on the streets until 10 PM or later, depending on the crowd. Her long hours are fueled by the desire to provide for her family and the satisfaction of seeing her customers enjoy their food. "It's exhausting, but seeing my customers enjoy their food makes it worth it,"Â she said with a smile.
The challenges Vijaya faces are numerous and varied. Weather conditions, from scorching heat to heavy rains, pose significant hardships. "Dealing with the weather is one challenge. Standing out in the scorching heat or heavy rain can be brutal," Vijaya shared. Additionally, she often encounters difficulties with local authorities, who sometimes demand bribes to allow her to operate. "Sometimes, authorities give us a hard time, demanding bribes to let us operate," she explained. The unpredictability of daily earnings adds another layer of stress to her already demanding life. "The biggest challenge is the uncertainty. Some days, business is good; other days, not so much. It’s always a gamble," she admitted.
Despite these obstacles, Vijaya has built a loyal customer base through her unwavering commitment to quality and consistency. "I believe it’s the quality and consistency of my food. I never compromise on the ingredients, and I always make sure everything is fresh," she stated. Her warm and friendly demeanor, treating customers like family, has further cemented her popularity. "I treat my customers like family. I know most of them by name, and I always try to greet them with a smile, even when I’m tired," she said.
Vijaya's dreams extend beyond her daily grind. She hopes to save enough money to open a small shop where she can sell a variety of snacks and possibly hire some help. Her ultimate goal is to provide a stable and comfortable life for her family and ensure her children complete their education, sparing them from the struggles she faces. "I hope to save enough to open that shop I mentioned. I want my children to complete their education and not have to struggle like we did,"Â Vijaya expressed.
Vijaya's story is a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that often go unnoticed in our communities. Her unwavering dedication to her family and her work serves as an inspiration to all. As we go about our daily lives, it is essential to recognize and appreciate the efforts and sacrifices of individuals like Vijaya, who contribute so much to the fabric of our society.
Written by Anjali Chaudhary
Anjali wrote this article as a participant of the Media-Makers Fellowship's July'24 cohort.
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