Idli Shop And PhD Dream: Meet Revathi, A Kerala Woman Inspiring Many This Women’s Day
Kerala: In an inspiring Women’s Day story from Kerala, 30-year-old Revathi from Pazhayannur has captured social media attention with her unique journey of balancing higher studies and a growing food business.
Revathi runs a small but popular idli stall named Fresh Moon at Chembankottu in Thrissur.
What started as a simple roadside food venture has now turned into a widely talked-about spot for idli lovers. The stall serves nearly ten varieties of idli, including thattu idli, masala idli, egg idli, mutton idli, chicken idli, mini idli and podi idli.
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Revathi comes from a modest family in Pazhayannur in Kerala’s Thrissur district.
Her father, Vijayan, worked as a tailor, while her mother, Priya, is employed as a cook at a local school. Despite the limited financial resources at home, Revathi was a bright and determined student from a young age. She completed her undergraduate degree in Malayalam from Vimala College and later obtained her BEd from NSS Training College.
During her college years, Revathi was determined not to place any financial burden on her family. To support herself, she began taking classes at tutorial and coaching centres while continuing her studies.
After completing her BEd, she worked as a temporary teacher at a government school in Thiruvilwamala. At the same time, she pursued her postgraduate studies through distance education.
However, life took a different turn after her marriage and the birth of her two children. Revathi began to worry that her academic aspirations might slowly slip away amid family responsibilities. Refusing to give up on her dreams, she made a decision to return to higher studies.
When one of her children was three-and-a-half years old and the other just one-and-a-half, Revathi resigned from her teaching job and rejoined Vimala College to pursue her postgraduate degree.
Her dedication soon paid off. She completed the course as the rank holder of her batch and also cleared the National Eligibility Test in her very first attempt.
Yet, continuing her academic journey, especially with plans for research, brought new financial pressures.
Travelling every day from Pazhayannur to Thrissur for her studies left her with very little time to take up regular employment. It was during this time that Revathi came up with a solution to start a small idli stall to support her education.
Today, her routine reflects remarkable determination.
Revathi attends college from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and in the evening, from 5 p.m. until around 12.30 a.m., she runs her idli stall. She now runs stalls in multiple locations, including Kecheri, and is planning to open another outlet soon.
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Speaking to Timeline, Revathi said the journey was not easy, especially as a woman running a night-time business. “People will judge when you are a woman working late at night. But if you truly want to achieve something, you have to break those barriers,” she said.
She explained that her family initially had doubts about the idea. “The idea was mine. At first, they were not very interested, but I convinced them because I was sure it would work,” she said.
Revathi said the response from customers surprised her. “I started in Ottapalam, and within a week, more people started coming. Soon we began getting offers for franchises”.
It was after nine months that she opened a franchise in Kecheri.
This March also marks the first anniversary of her business. Despite the success, Revathi says research remains her biggest dream. “Research is my passion. This business is my way to continue my studies,” she said.
Revathi believes determination is the key to success. “Sometimes I don’t even get time to sleep. In the morning, I go to college, and in the evening, I run the idli shop. But if you have a strong desire and work hard, you will reach success,” she said.
Revathi’s husband, Anoop and their children, Rudrevadath and Hritwisreshtha, have been strong pillars of support in her journey. She has also participated in literary programmes, including the Mathrubhumi Book Festival in Palakkad, where she conducted interviews with writers.
On International Women’s Day, Revathi shared a message for other women. “Nothing is easy. There will be risks and struggles. But if you truly want something and keep working for it, success will come one day,” she said.
