Popularly known as idli Paati or idli Amma, K.Kamalathal has been selling idlis at the price of ₹1 per idli for the last thirty years. In spite of the increase in the prices of raw materials, she refuses to increase the price of her idlis. She believes that the food that she sells is the only hope of a good meal for the poor.
In a conversation with India today, the Coimbatore-based idli Amma said, The situation has been a little difficult since Corona started but I have been trying my best to provide the idli at Rs 1. Many migrant labourers are stuck here and so there are more people coming. There are people who are coming and helping me. They are providing essentials and I am using that to make Rs 1 idlis.
Students from various universities and colleges approached Kamalathal and provided her with necessary raw materials so that she can continue selling her idlis with sambhar at an economical price. Seeing her heroic efforts, the chief of the DMK party M.K.Stalin called her to offer help.
Her not for profit business endeavour went viral last year when people discovered that she has been serving people by selling low cost idlis and sambhar. Now, the internet is in awe of her selfless service even during such trying times.
