Rameswaram: At 70 where most are executing their retirement plans, this woman in Tamil Nadu with unmatchable grit is serving the poor. Rani runs an idli shop near Agni Tirtham in Rameswaram and serves free food to the needy.

Donning a bright smile on her face, she works relentlessly and earns her own livelihood. Where she provides poor for free, she charges a minimum amount from the rest of her customers. Rani owns at a makeshift shop at Rameswaram's Agni Thirtham seashore and uses the traditional wooden stove to prepares the food. Assisted by a temporary labourer, she works throughout the year to serve idli at the cost Rs 30 in a city where, the residents say, a plate of idli costs at least Rs 60.