By N. Anand

A bright yellow and blue coloured auto parked at Ashok Pillar for a long time was attracting passerby’s attention. A closer look towards it revealed it hosted a snack-cum-tea stall. The stall was operated by a transgender couple Prem and Preetisha.

Till recently Prem was doing odd jobs like driving a cab or as a food delivery agent, while Preetisha was a theatre artist. Realising that they were unable to meet the daily expenses, they soon set up an online venture to sell organic oils, palm sugar and original honey, for which they sought the help of Rotary Club of Madras Chenna Patna. While it was fetching them moderate returns, they established their second venture — a fruit shop on the Kaliamman Koil Street, Virugambakkam during March 2020. Again they approached Rotary Club of Madras Chenna Patna for help and it obliged. They could not taste success as the prolonged Covid-led lockdown, further pushed them into a debt trap.

On learning about the modern mobile tea shop, they decided to try their luck. They borrowed money from their friends and dear ones and approached Rotary Club of Madras Chenna Patna. Seeing their die hard spirit and their promptness in repaying the debts, even during the difficult times, Rotary Club officials decided to lend them a helping hand for the third time. The inaugural function of Maghizham Freshop was done in a grand manner with the film personalities gracing the occasion.

The mobile unit was inaugurated by a city police official at Ashok Pillar on January 19. It will be stationed at Ashok Pillar junction from morning to evening and later in the day, it will move towards Koyambedu Mofussil Bus Terminal to quench the thirst of the floating population by offering different varieties of tea, coffee, juice and snacks.

Over the last two decades, Rotary Club of Madras Chenna Patna through its microloan project has been helping out tiny and small time traders, vendors and entrepreneurs by providing interest free loan of up to Rs.25,000. Recently, it was enhanced to Rs.50,000. It has benefitted nearly 200 people.