“When we talk about Chennai’s beaches, one of the first things to pop up in our minds is probably the visual of piping hot bajjis. The snack has been a staple for over decades now, luring crowds in dozens at peak seasons.

Now though the income is marginal, as a seller it’s often the sheer joy of watching people’s delightful faces devouring the dish that gets us going! Nevertheless, post the pandemic, if there’s one place that’s not back alive and thriving, it’s definitely the same beaches. And with it, all of us micro business owners are barely able to make it through these days.

And personally, as a mother of two, it’s been really difficult, trying to earn through newer means, mostly because any job I turn towards is already full. The wrath of the pandemic has left so many folks like me jobless with hardly any openings to sustain on. Even to work as a househelp somewhere, one needs recommendation to surpass the hundred others that are hungry for the job.

This accompanied with miniscule initiatives by the government has ensured that families like mine are almost on the verge of giving up!

At this point the only thing I’m latching onto is hope- hope that my family sees better days, hope of getting back up on our feet, and, of course, selling mouthwatering bajjis to the smiling faces on the beach. My kids deserve a good future and I’m willing to go to any lengths to make their dreams come true!”