'Pappada Ammoomma' turns a star on social media

She sat on a corner in the busy market, crying out aloud, “25 pappadams for Rs 20.” But few people noticed her. Everyone likes to shop from fast food outlets and supermarkets and had no time to spare for an elderly woman selling pappads from the road side.

However, within no time, she became a sensation on the social media. Each and every person who saw her video praised the grandma for her enterprising spirit even at an advanced age.

Now, the suspense regarding her identity has been lifted. Vasumathy Amma, whom local people call 'Pappada Ammoomma,' lives near the Attukal Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Aged 87 years, Vasumathy Amma has been selling pappads at Chalai market in Thiruvananthapuram and nearby places for the last 40 years. It was a youth named Bijus Sailabdeen who introduced the old lady to the cyber world.

Vasumathy Amma launched her pappadam venture after her husband died. She found the means to raise eight children by making and selling the item. She used to buy black gram from the market, prepare the dough and spread it into shape and dry it herself. The sale at Chalai market and other places was also her duty. According to Vasumathy Amma, she still continues the business as no adulteration is resorted to.

Several ailments haunt this veteran entrepreneur. However, she still has the drive to continue her efforts to earn a livelihood. Once, she was diagnosed with heart disease, but it did not deter her from her vocation. She is now struggling to strike a balance between life and livelihood. Seeing her plight, some people have offered support to the 'Pappada Ammoomma.'