70-year-old Kottayam woman who purchased a country boat selling grass

Kottayam: At the age of 70, Kunjamma's life flows like the serene Kodoor river, resiliently navigating challenges. Her life revolves around navigating a boat along the river while also engaging in cutting grass for sale. The income generated from her sales enabled her to purchase her own boat. There remains a consistent demand for the grass that Kunjamma sells.

The story surrounding Karapuzha Parathara Kunjamma's acquisition of her boat is quite compelling. When inquired about that story, she often responded with "You cannot weaken me." Kunjamma was dismissed from her job after 15 years of service. The salary she received from the shop was Rs 100. The very next day after her dismissal, she started selling grass. She diligently saved a portion of her earnings and eventually bought her boat.

The practice of cutting and selling grass, which commenced 15 years ago, continues even at the age of 70. She departs on the boat at 8 am. The grass is collected from the tributaries and banks of the river. In the past, she would collect at least twenty bundles every day. During that time, a large bundle could sell for as much as 40 rupees. Currently, Kunjamma manages to collect only ten bundles. Due to the smaller size of the bundles now, they are sold for Rs 25 each. There are regular customers who have been purchasing the grass collected by Kunjamma for the past fifteen years.

There are two acres leased for paddy cultivation, in addition to one and a half acres of land that Kunjamma owns, which is also used for paddy farming. Kunjamma arrives at the paddy field in the afternoon. Her husband, Vasappan, is employed by a private company. Both of their daughters have been married. Kunjamma expresses her determination by stating, "I will persist in this manner as long as I am able to work and sustain myself."