Rajith Kumar with pothichor
Kochi: While passing through the national highway at Varappuzha Shappu Padi, if you feel like having delicious 'pothichoru' (meals wrapped in banana leaf), you just have to spend Rs 25. With an umbrella in his hand, Rajith Kumar will be selling the 'pothichoru' near the national highway.
To the question of how he gets any profit from the business at a time when the prices of rice and other grocery items are increasing day by day, his first answer is a smile.
“It is not just money, feeding the hungry is also a profit,” he said.
The 65-year-old man who is a resident of Varappuzha, started the 'pothichoru' business seven months ago. He sells about 30 packets of meals per day. His affordable 'pothichoru' includes rice, curry, a vegetable side dish called ‘thoran’ and pickle. Special items including fish fry and curry are also available for an additional payment of Rs 15.
Before getting into this business, Rajith found his livelihood by working at a company, bore well construction site and catering unit. His wife, Ramadevi was also employed at a company in Kalamassery. When the pandemic hit the state, the couple became jobless.
During this time, they decided to start the ‘pothichoru’ business. Ramadevi prepares the food for ‘pothichoru’. By 11 am, Rajith will leave the house with the food packets on his old electric scooter.
“All packets will get sold out by 2 pm. I got some regular customers including bus drivers. We don’t repeat the dishes regularly. The customers will enjoy the meal as new dishes are served every day,” said Rajith.
“Some of the regular customers think that it is cheaper to get ‘pothichoru’ than cooking at their homes. Fortunately, we can earn enough money to make both ends meet,” he added.
Except for Sundays, he has been selling ‘pothichoru’ in the same spot in the noon hours.
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