Many people choose to retire or get into an old-age home when there is no one to care for them. But some choose the opposite and decide to go ‘against the wave’. Falling into the latter category, a 70-year-old
woman from West Bengal is winning hearts across social media after a video of her working tirelessly despite dwindling customers, failing health, and financial hardship went viral.
Deepali Ghosh has been running a modest rice hotel in Howrah for nearly three decades. Located at Haroganj Market in Salkia, beside Style Baazar, Deepali’s small eatery is more than just a workplace; it is also her home. After the passing of her husband, she took charge of the business and has managed it single-handedly ever since. From purchasing groceries and cooking meals to washing utensils and cleaning the premises, she handles every task on her own.
According to Instagram user Aradhana Chatterjee, who shared a video highlighting Deepali’s daily life and challenges, her situation worsened after the lockdown.
Deepali Chooses Not To Go To Old Age Home
What was once a steady source of income has now reduced to barely five customers a day. The shop bears visible signs of years of struggle, soot-darkened walls, worn-out utensils and a leaking roof during monsoons. In a cramped corner of the same space, she sleeps on a broken sheet of plywood.
Despite weakened hearing, increasing physical strain, and no family support available, Deepali has chosen not to move to an old age home. Instead, she hopes to sustain herself with dignity by continuing to run her rice hotel.
Sharing the video, Aradhana wrote, “We will be giving this little shop a makeover since this is where she stays and runs her business from. Let us all come together and make this happen so that she can have the minimum number of customers to sustain herself and the shop. Please share this video as much as possible!”
In another update, she informed followers that the renovation work had begun. Aradhana shared, “We have already started the makeover for her space and her hotel. We will upload a makeover video on the channel by the 20th of February. Stay tuned.”
Social Media Steps In To Help
The clip quickly gained traction online, drawing attention to the elderly woman’s quiet strength. Social media users have flooded the comments section with messages of support and offers of help. Many have expressed admiration for her independence and perseverance.
A user commented, “Hey please send me the location I would love to personally meet her and donate as well.”
“At the age of 70, this elderly woman continues to support herself with dignity and hard work. She has never depended on anyone and has chosen to earn her living independently till her last breath. Truly inspiring,” wrote a user.
An individual stated, “Absolutely heartbreaking! Sometimes we should appreciate about what we have!”
“Heart aches seeing her still fight life at 70…She carries grief in her eyes, courage in her hands. This isn’t just survival this is quiet, uncelebrated bravery. May her strength never go unseen,” a comment read.
Makeover Of Deepali Ghosh’s Shop
Sharing another post on Instagram, the user shared that they have started the makeover of the shop, and the renovation will be completed by February 16. The post read, “This is regarding the makeover of Deepali Ghosh’s shop: We are starting the makeover of the hotel today. We are assuming we can complete the work by the 16th of February. Her accommodation will be taken care of while this happens. Thank you everyone for your shares, your love and your contribution. You can expect to see the makeover video on our channel by the 20th of this month.”
In addition to renovating the shop, Aradhana has shared that they are also assisting Deepali with doctor visits, medications and daily expenses. “We are also taking care of her doctor visits and her medications and her daily expenses. All details will be given on the channel by the 20th of February, thank you! Really grateful and excited for this one!” she added.
