M. Kamalathal, the octogenarian who sells idlis for Re. 1 a piece at Vadivelampalayam, was offered an LPG gas connection by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) on Wednesday evening.
According to a press release, officials from HPCL's Kochi LPG Region visited the eatery and provided her with a commercial hot plate for her traditional idli vessel. A small wet grinder was also presented to Ms. Kamalathal, who had been using a traditional grinding stone to prepare the idli batter.
P. Aarthi, the octogenarian's granddaughter-in-law, said the LPG stove was placed next to the earthen stove that she had been using all these days. "[Kamalathal] is not yet used to the gas stove, so I am teaching her now," said Ms. Aarthi.