In the heart of Mumbai, just outside the bustling BMC Hospital, a small vada pav stall has grown into much more than a food stop- it’s a place of trust, relationships, and community spirit. A marketing manager, Ishika Dhanmeher shared a heartfelt tribute to her mother.
When she began her journey 11 years ago, the woman behind the stall- the mother of marketing manager, faced an uphill battle. The initial days were far from smooth: her stall was vandalised, items were stolen, and she endured taunts from those around her. Even the hospital staff resisted her presence, making it hard for her to work freely.
Yet, she refused to give up. She quietly focused on proving herself through the quality of her food, proudly telling customers it was all homemade. Over time, her persistence paid off, the same people who doubted her became regular patrons.
Winning hearts beyond the plate
Today, doctors, nurses, and hospital staff not only line up for her vada pav but also invite her to hospital picnics and celebrations. Her true secret? The ability to connect with everyone on a personal level.
Despite not having a formal education, she has mastered multiple languages- Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, Telugu, and even English-to communicate with people in a way that makes them feel valued. She keeps her menu fresh by adapting to changing food trends and even uses her cheerful personality to lift spirits during difficult days.
The power of genuine relationships
“She never asks for help, yet help always finds her,” Ishika shared in a heartfelt LinkedIn post. Every time Ishika visits the stall, she notices how people light up just to talk to her mother.
For Ishika, the real lesson isn’t just about resilience but about the power of personality. “Two things I’ve inherited from her are communication and the ability to build genuine relationships. And if that’s all I got from her- I already have everything I need,” she concluded.
