Battling cancer, mother-son duo turns culinary prowess into a lifeline | Fusion - WeRIndia

In the gripping narrative of life’s challenges, the hit series Breaking Bad finds an unexpected parallel with the story of 48-year-old homemaker Mekala Padma.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022, Padma, akin to Walter White, found an unlikely partner in her 28-year-old son, Mekala Anil Kumar.

Together, they embarked on a journey not of illegal substances but wholesome meals, birthing a unique culinary venture in the face of adversity.

Amidst the backdrop of COVID-19 thrice and mounting medical bills, Anil proposed a business venture leveraging Padma’s culinary expertise.

Collaborating with food delivery giants Swiggy and Zomato in October 2023, they began delivering hygienic and nutritious food to the city’s working professionals.

Padma’s resilience during chemotherapy became a beacon of inspiration for Anil, driving their mission to overcome financial hardships.

Their culinary enterprise gained traction swiftly, securing FSSAI approval and earning a dedicated customer base.

Despite a brief lull in orders, the duo pivoted their strategy. Anil’s brainchild, a tiffin box service catering to bachelors, elderly individuals, and those unable to cook, transformed their fortunes.

The meticulous planning, separate utensils, and distinct boxes for vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare showcased their commitment to customer satisfaction.

In a heartening turn of events, the mother-son duo, undeterred by health challenges, expanded their reach.

Operating in tribal areas of Jharkhand like Khunti, Simdega, Gumla, and Lohardaga, they reached out to those trafficked to labour camps.

These labourers, often children burdened with bricks in their tiny hands, lack the basic amenities of food, education, and sanitation.

Despite charging ₹4,000 for vegetarian and ₹5,000 for non-vegetarian monthly tiffin services, the duo ensures top-notch quality and prompt delivery, covering a remarkable 60 km each day.

Padma, determined to continue cooking for up to 20 people, exemplifies resilience, turning her kitchen into a source of hope for those in need.

In the face of life’s storms, the Padma-Anil duo has not just weathered the challenges but crafted a tale of culinary triumph.

They proved that sometimes, adversity can be the secret ingredient for inspiring change.

Image by Balouriarajesh (pixabay.com) on Needpix (Free for commercial use / CC0 Public Domain)

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