Pick your freedom fighter rice in this shop

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One kilo of Bhagat Singh and Sukudev, one kilo of Velunachiar and half-a-kg of Sardar Patel cost Rs123 at Pandiyan rice shop in Tiruninravur. Puzzled? Grocer Jeyaselvan celebrates patriotism everyday, not just on August 15.

This 56- year old shopowner has named the various rice varieties in his shop after the freedom fighters. This two-year-old shop is quite popular among residents and many parents take their children with them to teach them about the freedom struggle even as they shop.

Jeyaselvan said, “When we talk about independence, we often end up speaking about Gandhi. There are several other leaders who shed their blood for our freedom. I sell 16 varieties of rice in the names of young leaders and inform customers about these leaders.” Jeyaselvan sells nearly 450 kg of rice every day.

“At least three to five new customers ask me the reason for naming rice varieties after freedom fighters. I tell the story of leaders like Velunachiyar who formed the first woman unit in the army, called ‘Udayal Padai’ (Udayal unit). I tell them about Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev who suffered in prison and worked for freedom till they were taken to the gallows,” he says.

P. Solomon, one of the regular customers of Jeyaselvan’s shop, said, “He rejoices when parents bring along their children. He informs customers when they seek additional details about leaders. My son Paul Kirubakaran, a class 12 student, has told his classmates about the shop.”