A Remarkable Journey of Resilience and Success
🌅 Imagine waking up to the soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea at 4:30 a.m. daily! That’s how Shanthi, my dear cousin, welcomed me during my recent visit to Boston. 🍵
🍽️ Our mornings were filled with mouthwatering South Indian breakfast delights like idly, Pongal, dosa, and Upma, served with delectable peanut or coconut chutney. Shanthi’s culinary skills were a tribute to her mother-in-law’s teachings! 💫
🚶♀️ But the magic didn’t stop there! Shanthi and I embarked on a short morning walk daily, reminiscing about our cherished childhood memories, the hurdles we overcame, and the milestones we achieved. Our conversations radiated positivity and curiosity, sparking discussions on various topics close to our hearts. 🗣️
🥙 And how could I forget lunchtime? Shanthi ensured I savoured ‘ragi mudde’ daily, paired with either ‘gojju’ or ‘sambar.’ As I indulged in afternoon movies, Shanthi surprised me with homemade snacks and tea, making my stay even more delightful! 🎬
🌄 Evenings were reserved for us to enjoy dinner together, marking the end of yet another day filled with love, laughter, and delicious meals. 🌠
👧 Shanthi’s journey began in a large family, where she was lovingly cared for by her sisters. She completed her PUC and even shared two memorable years with me in 1977 when she came to support my sister-in-law. She radiated cheerfulness, an insatiable thirst for conversation, and an undeniable love for life! 🗨️
🏨 Shanthi embarked on a career in hospitality, training at the prestigious Sophia College of Girls on Peddar Road. Her zest for life led her to work as a customer service executive at the renowned Metropol Hotel in Mysore. ✨
👩👩👧👦 However, life took a dramatic turn after her marriage, and we temporarily lost touch. Shanthi became part of a vast family with twelve siblings and faced numerous challenges as a daughter-in-law. She experienced the struggles of providing for her family, especially as the mother of three daughters in an era when girl children were not always welcome. 🙅♀️
👵 Shanthi’s mother-in-law, a pillar of patience, shared her culinary wisdom with her. Shanthi’s talent for mixing, processing, and cooking ‘kolar’ cuisine blossomed under her tutelage. 🍳
🌟 But the most remarkable chapter of Shanthi’s life was yet to come! She transformed into an entrepreneur overnight, fueled by the determination to support her family. 💪
💼 Shanthi ventured into crafting candles, filament bulbs, soaps, and cleaning agents, even though these businesses had challenges. She persevered despite damaging her hands with acids and chemicals. Recognizing the environmental concerns, she transitioned to a catering business, sharing snacks and sweetmeats with friends and relatives during festive times. 🎉
🤝 Through this journey, she learned countless lessons and forged strong friendships! Her daughters and husband stood steadfastly by her side, and she achieved remarkable success. Shanthi now divides her time between the United States and India, captivating the hearts of everyone she meets. 💖
🌍 In India, she embarks on pilgrimages to destinations she dreamt of visiting in her youth, inspiring others to pursue their dreams. She’s become a shining role model for the young girls in our family, embodying the spirit of Basavanna’s principle — “Kayakave Kailasa,” which translates to “Work is Worship!” 🌈
🎉 Shanthi’s story reminds us that determination, love, and resilience can overcome obstacles and transform our lives into inspiring tales of success! Her journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring! 🌟
