Before the world took notice of Kamalathal, an 80-year-old woman from Tamil Nadu, she had been quietly doing a noble deed for 30 years: selling hearty meals of idlis to laborers for just Re 1.
Mother’s Day gift given to idli amma by Anand Mahindra
Anand Mahindra, an industrialist known for spotting and amplifying everyday stories of grit, shared a video of her cooking idlis on a wood burner in 2019 and assisted her in obtaining a gas connection.
Kamalathal, also known as “idli amma,” cooked from a small shop in slum areas and required a home workspace. The Mahindra Group team promised to provide her with one.
They registered the land for the new space in Thondamuthur and began construction in 2021. Anand Mahindra tweeted that the house was finished just in time for Mother’s Day 2022 and was presented to Kamalathal.
“I am extremely grateful to our team for completing the house construction in time to present it to Idli Amma on Mother’s Day,” the industrialist said. “She embodies a Mother’s virtues: nurturing, caring, and selflessness.” It is an honor to be able to assist her and her work. Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!”
Twitter users praised the team’s efforts
Some even offered to help Kamalathal.
“Excellent work!
If you let me know the next time, I will be happy to share the cost with a small amount; I am not a wealthy man, but I will gladly pick up a small share “said Lalit Gore, a user.
Rajiv Kumar, an economist, stated: “That’s a wonderful gesture, Anand. Congratulations to you and your team!”
