Reddyamma is an old lady who runs a Naidu food outlet in the old town area of Tirupati in South India. She got into the business to earn livelihood for herself. And from a woman with no means at one time, today, she has not only created a name for herself, but is also an influencer and iconic woman of substance in her society.

I had the good fortune to meet and chat with her on my journey to discover the idea of India – Highway To Swades – in early 2014. The video captures just a few moments of the learning and happiness I got from meeting her.

Unfortunately, there are many women across India, just like Reddyamma, who run micro-businesses like hers, but are not captured in the nations’ accounting. Therefore many women’s contributions to the GDP of the nation is never reflected correctly.

Incidentally, Reddyamma qualifies for various senior citizen schemes, but she doesn’t want any of it and is proud of her business and herself.