ASSAGAO: In a world where societal roles often dictate expectations, Mohini Dhumaskar defies norms. At the age of 70, she continues to be the backbone of her family, and has overcome a life wrought with challenges to become a successful canteen operator at the Mapusa Government Complex.
Mohini’s journey began in Dodamarg, where she married Mohan Dhumaskar. The couple faced the harsh reality of having no home, prompting a move to Duler, Mapusa, where they rented a place. However, their financial situation was dire, and they struggled to make ends meet. Recalling those tough times, Mohini shares, “My late husband tried his hands at a grocery shop and running a tea shop near Alankar theatre, but luck did not shine on us. We could not afford rent, and faced a lot of humiliation from landlords,” she recalls.
She speaks of the days when, rendered homeless with her small children in tow, they managed to put up a tenton a family-owned piece of land in Assagao.
“Things were not easy, with my children sleeping on planks and cardboard and sacks. We had no savings in hand, so for some months, we were living in a tent with just two pillars and some palm leaves and tin sheets tied around,” she smiles sadly.It was during these dark days that three guardian angels emerged — Mohini’s brother Ramakant, retired deputy collector Afonso, and late Mapusa MLA Francis D’Souza. Their support helped the couple navigate through adversity. Afonso, moved by her struggle, initiated a canteen in the Govt Complex building, providing Mohini and her husband a chance to rebuild their lives.
Mohini recalls that the rates when she started out were very cheap. “Tea was sold at a rupee, rice thali at Rs 10, bhaji-pao at two rupees, and bhajiya at one rupee.”Mohini has now been running the canteen for almost 30 years and battling rain, sun, and winter, she wakes up at 5 am every morning except Sundays and public holidays and leaves the house at 7 am.
This has been her routine, and for all the last 30 years, she has been traveling by bus despite her children now owning bikes. She insists that she has been living a simple life and will continue to do so. Mohini claims that she never misused her post as a canteen operator to act as an agent between the public and government officials.
On the contrary, she says that despite her children helping her in the canteen, she made sure they got a good education and were always honest, with one son even joining the police force.
Mohini is meticulous about cleanliness and systematic work. Her culinary skills have garnered praise, and she crafts her own masalas and pickles, even selling them beyond Goa.
Over the years, Mohini faced personal losses, with the demise of her husband, her brother, and her son-in-law. Despite battling sickness and pain, she stands strong. Her legacy, rooted in values and resilience, continues to inspire those who cross paths with this extraordinary lady from Mapusa
