13th August, 2016.

This is the story of two women from Kozhikode. Two women, who though separated by a sea of differences, chose the same path for survival. We met the first at Kappad Beach. Her name is Narayani, and she runs a tiny eatery on the beach. Her story began a few years earlier, when the local Kudumba Shree Mission, set up for women empowerment, started a hotel in the area. The idea was simple. Serve home cooked traditional food to the travelers coming to Kappad. Though simple, the endeavor did not take off, and many of the women gave up on it. But Narayani continued, aided by her niece Shima and daughter in law Shini. “We made enough to survive, and we were happy” says Narayani. The happiness however, was short lived, as a fire burnt the place to the ground almost two years back.

We have all heard that our true character is tested during hard times. Narayani and her team passed the test with flying colors. These women certainly had no interest in wasting their time. Soon, a shed took shape on Kappad beach. It has but two benches for a seating area, and the floor is nothing but beach sand. But the food is full of soul, and made by these three cheerful women.

“It is certainly a small place, we make hardly two items for breakfast. But this place is ours, and we make enough to cover our expenses without depending on others” Narayani said, and I saw a glimmer of pride in her eyes. This small establishment (called Vanitha Hotel) has been running for the past one year, and it is all because of her determination and courage. “We women also need to have an income source. Now a days, I think it is essential” she said, without ever having been trained in feminism.

The next woman we need to talk about needs little introduction in Kozhikode. She is Zainabi Noor, aka Zainuthatha, owner of the famous ZAINS hotel. Zainuthatha can be found in her hotel every evening, greeting her customers as though they were personal guests. Her reasons for starting this restaurant are a bit more romantic than that of Narayani’s. “My husband worked in Gulf for 18 long years. We always longed to be together. So when I suggested opening a tea stall, my husband supported the idea” says Zainuthatha.

Do remember that this was Malabar 27 years ago. A woman working outside of her home was not exactly well received. However, with support from her family and most importantly her husband, Zainuthatha grew Zains from a small tea shop on the beach to arguably the most well known restaurant in Kozhikode.

“People used to be sure I would fail, specifically because I am a woman. But my family believed in me, and my husband and I worked hand in hand to build all this up. I never really did care for other people’s opinions” Zainuthatha says, with a very happy smile. She has every reason to be happy. Her restaurant recently opened a franchise in UAE, and her daughter, following in her footsteps, now runs most of the day to day operations at Kozhikode. She has certainly come a long way from her humble beginnings. “Even thirty years ago, I used to tell people that we women also need an income. I am happy that times are changing now” said Zainuthatha as we took leave. We left her sipping black tea at her restaurant, greeting guests as they come and go.

These two women are worlds apart. One is barely scraping by, while the other is certainly well off. One is the name behind a now international hotel chain, while the other works in a shed made of palm leaves, with no concrete floor. The differences however, are but superficial. We wouldn’t be surprised, if in 30 years, Narayani becomes a well-known name in Kozhikode’s culinary scene. We do believe that these women are more similar than different. When faced with adversity, both of them decided to dig deep, hold their ground, and fight for their financial independence. And they did it with grace and dignity. They are the kind, who with their indomitable spirit, show us the true meaning of self reliance, innovation, and women empowerment.