Amisha Karmarkar |26th November 2025
In the bustling streets of Mumbai, amidst the chaos and the crowd, there is a woman who has been fighting a battle that seems endless. Shalan, a 70-year-old woman, has been selling vegetables at the nearby GTB (Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar) Railway Station for the past 25 years. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination of women who, despite facing numerous challenges, continue to work tirelessly to support herself.
Shalan’s journey has not been easy. She was once living with her family, but her life took a turn for the worse when her brother-in-law threw her out of the house after a dispute. With no one to turn to, Shalan had to fend for herself. She began selling vegetables near the GTB station, waking up every morning at 5 am to buy fresh produce from Dadar and then selling it at the market till late at night.
Shalan’s day starts early, at 5 am. She reaches Dadar by 5 am to buy vegetables for the day. She then rushes to the GTB market, sets up her stall, and starts selling. Her day goes on till 10 pm, when she finally packs up and heads back home. But her work doesn’t end there. She has to manage her household chores, cook for herself, and take care of her home.
Despite her old age, Shalan continues to work tirelessly. She should be enjoying her retirement with her family, but instead, she is struggling to make ends meet. Her husband passed away a long time ago, and now she is alone in this world. She doesn’t have any family members to take care of her. The only support she had was a small jhopra (hut) where she lived, but that too was demolished by the government.
Shalan’s story is not just about her struggles, but also about her determination to survive. She has been selling vegetables for 25 years, and despite the challenges she faces, she continues to work hard. She is a symbol of courage and resilience, and her story is an inspiration to many.
Despite the struggles she faces, Shalan remains positive. She is grateful for the little things in life and continues to work hard to support herself. Her story is a reminder of the struggles faced by many women in our society. These women work tirelessly to support their families, often without any recognition or support.
Shalan’s story is a call to action. It highlights the need for us to recognize the contributions of women like her who work hard to support themselves and their families. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are provided with the support and care they deserve in their old age.
As we go about our daily lives, it is easy to ignore the struggles of people like Shalan. But we must remember that they are not just statistics or news headlines; they are human beings who deserve our respect and support. We must strive to create a society where women like Shalan can live with dignity and respect, without having to struggle for basic necessities.
In her old age, she is alone, struggling to make ends meet. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our elderly citizens are taken care of and provided with the support they need.
As the sun sets on another day, Shalan will return to her small home, exhausted but determined to face another day. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience of women who continue to inspire us with their courage and determination.
Shalan’s struggle to survive is not unique. There are millions of women like her in our country who are fighting a similar battle. They are the backbone of our society, working tirelessly to support their families and contribute to the economy. Yet, they are often ignored and neglected.
As we move forward, let us remember Shalan’s story and the struggles she faces every day. Let us strive to create a society that is more compassionate and supportive of its citizens, particularly the most vulnerable sections of society.
Amisha Karmakar is a media researcher and writer passionate about documenting stories of resilience, empowerment, and social change. Her work often highlights women’s voices in grassroots industries and explores how local communities shape India’s socio-economic fabric.
