Almost two years after a Tamil Nadu woman won over the internet for serving idlis at low cost for daily wage workers, Anand Mahindra fulfilled his promise to support and “invest” in her venture. The business tycoon recently shared the delightful news that the octogenarian would soon have a house of her own, which would also function as her new food joint.
Kamalathal from Coimbatore went viral as ‘Idli Amma’ in 2019 for cooking and selling idlis for just Re 1. For over 30 years, she has been running her business from a tiny shanty shop. However, she wasn’t concerned about making profits and extended her services keeping in mind those in need.
Her thoughtful gesture had moved the Chairman of Mahindra Group at the time, and he had shared her video to help her in any way possible for her great contribution to society. After knowing that her priority was a new home cum workspace, Mahindra’s companies rallied their forces by helping register land in her name.
“Only rarely does one get to play a small part in someones inspiring story, and I would like to thank Kamalathal, better known as Idli Amma, for letting us play a small part in hers,” Mahindra wrote online while making the announcement.
Only rarely does one get to play a small part in someones inspiring story, and I would like to thank Kamalathal, better known as Idli Amma, for letting us play a small part in hers. She will soon have her own house cum workspace from where she will cook & sell idlis (1/3) https://t.co/vsaIKIGXTp
anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 2, 2021
“Grateful to the Registration Office at Thondamuthur for helping us achieve our 1st milestone by speedily registering the land,” the businessman wrote on Twitter while sharing images of the elderly woman along with officials.
to the @MahindraRise team for understanding from Kamalathal how we can invest in her business. She said her priority was a new home/workspace. Grateful to the Registration Office at Thondamuthur for helping us achieve our 1st milestone by speedily registering the land (2/3) pic.twitter.com/F6qKdHHD4w
anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 2, 2021
He also informed that the company’s real estate and infrastructure wing would build the customised home-cum-shop “as per Kamalathals requirement”. He thanked local LPG provider for their constant supply of gas to the woman to run her business.
The Mahindra @life_spaces team will soon start the construction as per Kamalathals requirement. Once again thanks to BharatGas Coimbatore for providing her a continued supply of LPG. (3/3) pic.twitter.com/NO6YtWr9b5
anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) April 2, 2021
In 2019, when the woman’s story first went viral, Mahindra had stepped forward to arrange a LPG connection for her to run her idli shop. She had been using a wood-burning stove.
People on social media loved Mahindra’s gesture and lauded him for keeping his promise even though a long time had passed.
You are an inspiration @anandmahindra … its about how many lives you can change, with whatever you have that matters & you have changed many. Hats off https://t.co/kGUkMIybCZ
Avinash Ravindranath (@iamavin26) April 3, 2021
Fanboy Moment !!! History will remember you @anandmahindra and your selfless Continuous philanthropy work ! This one touched !!! I Wish to meet you one day 🙂 #Giveandtake#inspiring#humanity#Legendhttps://t.co/3ojQsdV13O
shantanu jadhav (@jadhav_shantanu) April 2, 2021
Very good initiative sir this will inspire next generation, also help them to understand the Joy of giving happiness to others. https://t.co/havGn6Ykfz
Dhaval ShahDJ (@Garvi_gujarat2) April 2, 2021
Great initiative by Sh @anandmahindra Jihttps://t.co/M4yzMKddDF
Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) April 2, 2021
Sir, you serve as a guiding light to the Indian corporates with search Heartwarming initiatives https://t.co/qq97wf2EI7
Anand R (@anandstg) April 2, 2021
Great doing sir, again and again we are witnessing your keen eyes on those who need a push from some and what more if it is from you https://t.co/eL7eNBh5FX
SANJEEV AGNIHOTRI (@SANJEEVMANDLA) April 2, 2021
In the end, only one thing matters – How many lives we touched & how we helped. You are a good man @anandmahindra Babu Business leadership is also about soul searching – not about the size of Private Jets or Yachts. https://t.co/mCPT8frnwD
Anshuman Mishra (@mphholdings) April 2, 2021
This guy is such a revelation!! He tweeted about wanting to help this old lady back in 2019.. and has actually followed up on the actions taken 1.5 years later.. https://t.co/sOxSp3NVG2
Krishnamurthi (@murthism) April 2, 2021
@anandmahindra Sir, @mahendrarise, this is a great gesture of kindness. We, specially the customers at idli Amma outlet cannot thank you and team enough for this. Salute
I’m sure that after all the support provided, the idli cost will remain unchanged for poor and labourers.
mukesh (@mukesh_kr_2000) April 2, 2021
Thnx for your never lasting support and generosity. I keep reading the smal/big support, gifts u give to the deserving persons. Really big heart sir. @anandmahindra
Manish (@mnshtwiter) April 2, 2021
It’s because of humans like you and businesses like yours, we are where we are today and the sky is limit for us …And yes, because of people like you, umeed hai aur umeed pe duniya kayam hai!
AdityaDeokule (@PutShortCallBuy) April 2, 2021
Great to see…interventions that make such a huge difference for the deserving! @MahindraRise
Rachna Burman (@rachnaburman) April 2, 2021
Wow, kudos to your spirit for supporting the people.
Arun V. (@arun_vermani) April 2, 2021