Chandra, 40, was deserted by her husband ten years ago. Her son, Jaishankar, 19, follows his sister studying computer science at the university. Daughter, Susila Devi, 23, now works in the office of an electric appliance factory while living with her mom.

After her husband left, she had nothing. She was not able to buy school supplies or uniforms or meet day to day expenses. She borrowed money from money lenders and could only pay the interest. The money lenders came and fought with her. In this depressed and stressed state she appealed to her sisters and mother to give them food and lodging.

Four years ago Chandra took a loan and bought a kerosene pump stove to make appam, dosai, pongal and idly to sell in front of a corporate hospital. With a second loan, she was able to purchase a cart and vessels for cooking and selling her products. Chandra has to pay rent for the roadside spot to sell from and a monthly bribe to a roadside policeman, who also eats free. She must also pay for electricity to grind her own flour from dal and rice.

Chandra stands under a tree from which she puts up a plastic sheet as cover while she conducts the mini hotel. For the rainy season she needs another loan to construct a metal roof for shelter and a place for people to sit and eat. Chandra has been brave, hard working, and now, self confident through this difficult period. She has inspired her younger sister to stop having her son work at a painting job and send him back to school.