My stall’s coconut oil price has doubled since last Pongal. How can schools say the lunch fee will stay the same? They must either reduce the portion or use lesser oil—both are a paavam for the children. The old way was to adjust the fee fairly when the ingredient cost rises.

This paavam young shooter who comes to my stall was telling me about the forms for his air rifle licence — more layers than my athirasam sweet! All that paperwork, and still the coconut oil price shoots up faster than his pellet. But when he shows me his national medal, I think, our Addaly only hits the bullseye because our young ones learn such patience.