Retired Devadanam runs a restaurant in Jeedimetla with a passion for food
Posted Date – Tue, 11 Apr 23 at 08:20am
The 59-year-old started Dishnation a few months ago, serving snacks like fried chicken, chicken popcorn, pizza and momo. — Photo: Surya Sridhar
Hyderabad: With unwavering courage and trickster spirit, Hyderabad’s 59-year-old Devadanam Danthika followed his heart in the second innings of his life. A few months after his retirement, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening a roadside kiosk called Dishnation in Jeedimetla.
At an age when most people don’t want to take the risk of starting a new life, Devadanam argues that retiring from a job doesn’t necessarily mean you stop working. “Our bodies are strong and healthy only when we work and are active. In my opinion, everyone should work hard and pursue their dreams as long as their bodies support them,” he said.
After his father died, Devadhanan grew up with a single mother who struggled to raise five children. At an early age, he joined a blade manufacturing company to support his family. “I’ve always wanted to start a food business for two reasons. First, it’s bankable. Second, it makes me happy to serve delicious and tasty food. Since running a food stand is a tough job, I can also hire other people.”
Devadanam started the business a few months ago with his younger brother and nephew. They open at 4pm and sell snacks like fried chicken, chicken popcorn, pizza, and momo, as well as cold drinks like goli soda. They are open all day of the week.
On his family’s reaction to his decision, he said: “Initially, they just wanted me to stay home and rest. But after a few months, they understood that’s what made me happy. My wife and two sons are all behind me I.”
While Devadanam is pursuing his dream of serving delicious food, he is also setting an example for his children, encouraging them to pursue their own dreams. “My oldest son quit his IT job to pursue film production. He is now in production and I believe he would be one of the best directors if given the chance. My youngest son turned down an offer from Google and Chose to work for a startup he was passionate about,” he said, adding that as long as they were good people and followed their passion, his role as a father was fulfilled.
