“Come, come, we will talk while I make these traditional jowar rotis. I set up the wood fire by 6 p.m. everyday and business is brisk these days on the occasion of the Bonalu season when many pilgrims halt to worship at Mahankali Temple. Moreover, with the music concerts going on and the lockdown being completely lifted, many listeners come for a quick dinner at my place. I have been occupying the same place, right beside the Trends showroom, for the last 10 years. All our regulars make a beeline to our place for their dinner or teatime healthy snack. The best combo for jowar roti is country chicken curry for non-vegetarians and onion curry for vegetarians.

Although I used to work as a daily wager at a construction site, I wasn’t really happy with my daily routine. I have seen many women starting their businesses and I felt why can’t I start something on my own? I know I have zero capital investment and there’s a risk involved. I thought about it for a few weeks and all of a sudden, the idea of making traditional jowar rotis struck me one night. Jowar roti is a staple diet of our ancestors for centuries and it’s a healthy meal. I felt if I could sell at least 10 rotis a day, it will be a profitable venture and that’s it. I went ahead to start this business and to my surprise, my husband encouraged me wholeheartedly without a second thought.

Today, I sell around 70-80 rotis every day and that helps me to support our family. I have three children, two daughters and a son. My son has completed his Intermediate and will be joining a Computer Engineering course this year. My older daughter has completed her class 12th three years ago and was married. My younger daughter is in class 10 and she aspires to become a businesswoman in the future.

Here, have this roti… crisp, isn’t it? Not at all sour too. I ensure that that the dough is mixed properly. In the height of the monsoon, it is a real challenge. Each jowar roti along with unlimited helpings of chutney cost Rs. 10. Once the flour and chutney get over, I close for the day.”

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