Madurai :

Amma canteens may have been a recent phenomenon because of its low-cost food, but for many residents and passengers arriving at the Anna Bus Terminal in the city it has always been R Pooranathammal and her husband who have been running a non-profit canteen for over five decades. On Wednesday, a pall of gloom descended in the locality after Pooranathammal, 73, died of age-related ailment. The love and affection the couple commanded was visible when many youths and other thronged their residence to mourn her death. Her husband, S Ramu, 79, was inconsolable at the passing away of his wife.

Pooranathammal and Ramu were running their non-profit canteen especially for the poor and needy for the past 50 years. The elderly couple serve one full meal for just Rs 10. In fact, till a few months back, they served meals at just Rs 6. Many people from Madurai and its surrounding areas like Theni, Dindigul, Virudhunagar and Sivaganga who arrive at the bus terminal used to have food at their canteen. The couple, hailing from T Kallikudi near Tirumangalam in Madurai shifted to the city in search of livelihood and started the canteen.

Their canteen was a favourite for hungry students including those from the Madurai Medical College, which is situated very close by.

Pooranathammal and Ramu’s bonding with the students was such that once they pass out from the portals of the medical college many of them call on the elderly couple and present them with clothes.

“She used to scold me if I insist on taking money. She will always smile and serve even if people do not have the nominal amount to pay. It was because of her support we were able to serve people for so many year. At times, if I do not wake up on time due to tiredness, she would not expect me. She will open the canteen and start preparing the food. That was the commitment she had,” he said breaking out into tears.

“We used to have food at the canteen. It is cheap but the quality used to be good. We recently appreciated their service by handing over mementos at a function,” said R Stalin from Padikattugal, a youth organization into public service.

Breakfast and lunch is being served in the canteen. The daily limited meals include sambar, rasam and butter milk accompanied by one vegetable koottu and it was served for just Rs 10. Even idly and dosa were served at the cost of Rs 10. One can get four idlis or two dosas for just Rs 10.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madura / TNN / June 1th, 2015