Army veteran, 79, runs street food stall in Indore after retirement, inspires millions. Watch

The comments section was flooded with praise and heartfelt reactions.

An Indian Army veteran has captivated social media with her story of resilience, independence and quiet determination. At 79 years of age, the retired administrative officer now runs a modest street food stall in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, drawing widespread admiration for proving that purpose and passion need not retire with age.

A video featuring the elderly veteran was recently shared by Instagram user Kashish Soni and has since gone viral, amassing over 3 million views. In the video, the woman is seen setting up her roadside stall and preparing a plate of idli and sambhar.

However, it was her backstory that struck an emotional chord with viewers. “I served in the Army as an administrative officer,” she told Soni. She explained that she opened the stall after her retirement from military service. Despite her humble setup, the discipline and dignity with which she runs her business reflect her background in uniform.

When asked whether cooking had always been her passion, the veteran replied, “It’s not just about cooking—I’m passionate about everything I do.” She further revealed that she holds a degree in Fine Arts and had once travelled to Mumbai to pursue the subject, highlighting a life rich in both experience and personal aspiration.

Soni also asked her why she had chosen not to marry. Without hesitation, the woman replied, “I wouldn’t have been able to pursue my hobby,” referring to her culinary endeavour and independent lifestyle.

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A post shared by Kashish Soni (@tasty_trekk)

One of the most touching moments in the video came when Soni attempted to pay for her food. The woman gently refused, saying, “Ye tum le jao chup chap (Just take this quietly),” a gesture that resonated deeply with viewers and was seen as a reflection of her generosity and warmth.

The video was geotagged for those interested in visiting her stall, which is located in front of the Modern Gift Store near Chandra Lok Colony, Khajrana Road, Shree Nagar Extension, Indore.

“She’s so strong. Serving tasty, tasty food on the streets of Indore!!” wrote Soni in the caption accompanying the video.

The comments section was flooded with praise and heartfelt reactions. One user wrote, “The real definition of independence,” while another commented, “This is called life. Do what your heart says, not what others think.” A third added, “She’s happy, content, and regret-free. That’s what choosing your own path looks like.”

“She is happy and content and has no regrets. Choose your path wisely, do it and never feel sorry for the past,” another user wrote. One viewer who had visited the stall said, “I’ve met her. She’s very cute, and the taste, omg. I just remembered my own grandmother.” Another added, “The way she said ‘tum le jao yaha se’—that’s the old people’s love language, their gratitude is the best thing we can get.”