“I have been a seasonal fruit vendor for the last 15 years. I took up this job to support my husband and provide good education to my children. My day starts at 9 in the morning and ends by about 8 in the evening. I walk across the Kovalam beach to sell these seasonal fruits which include watermelon, pineapple, papaya and raw mangoes.

Most of my customers like the tangy raw mangoes along with the sprinklers of salt and chilli powder on it.

The business has been down ever since the Covid struck but I am hoping for better days in the future. I have two children, the older son is class 8 and the younger one is in class 5. I hadn’t made enough money yet. One day away from work leads to loss of income and trouble for my family, something I don’t wish upon them.

So I have decided to go the extra mile and help my husband in his welding business as well to make sure my children continue their schooling.”