Story of Mr. DEVADOSS – The Soup Maker @ T Nagar, Chennai

It was quite a while that I did scribble something or scripted anything.?Often felt if I lost that good sense in me to appreciate the niceties of life….may be true to an extent….because people brag me and my story telling.?Yes, I did get affected with such one-liners from the people around and almost thought of throwing a fist at my creative buds that always searches for the “taste of life”. One more fact being my stories don’t happen until I experience the story myself and I am central to it….because I feel that which moves me also has the ability to kindle such similar hearts.?However…and as ever….once again it happened……on a travel.?And, you all know it well…..I title them as “Travelores” and a story happened again as I got to meet Mr. Devadoss – The Soup Maker @ T Nagar, Chennai. It all happened…..and let me to take you back through the memory lanes of my early days of making it to Alliance Group of Chennai as the face of HR for their Hyderabad initiative. On one of my visits to Chennai, I was homed at “The Iris” on the Dr. Thomas Road (near Pondybazar), opposite to GRT Grand hotel.

One evening after the office, as I got down the Ola auto at the Iris, I could see a gathering of 10 odd people on the corner of the street.?Initially thought it could be an outlet something similar to what I see in Hyderabad – Paanipuri, Pavbhaji…the street side quick snack to pamper the hungry buds (a classic example of our pre-determined mind that can only think of what we see and know). I had to give a sharp look to pierce through the 10 odd people who surrounded the road side stall….could realize that it was not what the pre-determined mind holds…and was something else. I could count of 5 medium size steel bowls (container)…as big as something that can hold 5 – 6 litres of water in it.?All kept on the traditional “charcoal fire stove” and could sense something brewed hot and, savory that spread the light aroma around.?That was for the 1st time that I could see something like that and was hesitant to go and order for a bowl of “soup – plantain/mixed veg/Spinach/Mushroom/sweet corn”…..one each @ Rs.20/-.

"Of all the items on the menu, soup is that which exacts the most delicate perfection and the strictest attention." — Auguste Escoffier

Let me also submit…this hesitation was because of the class of customers that includes – the auto driver, the daily labour, the scavenger, the waiter from the adjacent street side hotel, the road side flower seller, the sales man from the American tourister showroom and many other sales team members from the adjacent shops / malls.?All united for a soup that was just Rs.20/-. But you know….I was the Head HR from Corporate....that superficial feel stopped me…..ridiculous isn’t it??I know....but it takes time to break the jinx…..at times…..in fact…many a times.?Only thing is…..we don’t accept it publicly and I did.

“One whiff of a savory aromatic soup and appetites come to attention. The steaming fragrance of a tempting soup is a prelude to the goodness to come. An inspired soup puts family and guests in a receptive mood for enjoying the rest of the menu.” — Louis P. De Gouy

Somehow I gathered my strengths and ordered for a plantain soup & in a few seconds…the guy stirred it deep and up and then poured it in a bowl….the grayish white, loosely thickened liquid into the bowl and topped it up with black pepper powder, fried corn and finely chopped French onion.?Before handing over to me he said – “Plantain is good for diabetic patients and many other health related aspects”.?And as I did dip the spoon into the bowl and took the first gulp…..hmmmmwwaaaah…..the magic happened…and a broad smile happened on my face…ecstasy….and that’s what food can do. After that……no hesitation….no Head HR……all that I could sense is the aroma….and mouth getting watered….irresistible.?And from that day onwards…..the bowl of soup became my dinner and diet too.?

"Soup puts the heart at ease, calms down the violence of hunger, eliminates the tension of the day, and awakens and refines the appetite." — Auguste Escoffier

Cutting the story Short – served in a glance for immediate consumption

The story doesn’t end here……and over the next few days and over a bowl of soup the conversations happened….interesting to sum-up quickly and in a gulp……the soup language.

·????????Mr. Devadoss is a native of Tiruvannamalai;

·????????Came to Chennai 20 – years back. He left his study +2 with few backlogs;

·????????Early morning to 1:00 PM, he runs an auto (for specific customers….permanent list on his phone book)

·????????2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Keep everything ready (preparation of the soup)

·????????Open the stall @ 4:30 PM & serve till 9:30 PM (Near the Iris Hotel)

·????????Owns a home at Teynampet signal cross (behind the round building)…..200 metres away from the stall…bang on the main road.

·????????Wife, a home maker.

·????????2 children – a Daughter [pursuing M.Sc Bio-technology] & a Son [pursuing Accounts as career]

·????????SUNDAY Holiday

Above all…..he speaks – Tamil, Hindi, English and understands Telugu a bit…..though with breaks in between and struggles to get the words in place…..just like those tiny vegetable pieces that try and miss.

Here comes the topping in his words – “With many IT companies coming to Chennai and people from North, I compelled my children to learn these 2 languages & wanted them to be fluent in speaking English & Hindi and am glad they are doing it”.?

….irony….we come across many people over the interviews…..who are Engineering Graduates…..struggling to speak the toppings....and worried if they will be in a situation to afford a soup as the times change….but Mr. Devadoss can…..as he evolved through….?ARE / CAN WE?

(He is open for small time party orders & can reach out to him on the contact number - 9940425453)