Pareekshith Shet
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 16: Kamalamma (90), who was running 'Ajjammana Hotel' opposite M G M College here, and who was affectionately addressed by students over several decades as 'Ajjamma', passed away on Saturday April 15. She has left behind a son and six daughters.

'Ajjammana Hotel' served like their own family home for scores of students of MGM College since long. Over the last six to seven decades, Ajjamma never got tired of lovingly serving food to students with her own hands. She was always ready to feed the hungry students and the food served her tasted homely and delicious. She could be always seen doing one or the work as she believed in doing hard work and service.

Till recently, she used to attend to every student on her own. Ajjamma's affection for students and inclination to feed could never be overcome by business sense.

A wooden box used to store salt kept inside her hotel has witnessed discussions, debates, interactions and deliberations by thousands of student groups. It also was the spot where the students usually kept their bags. A number of students, even after several years after passing out of the college, came to meet Ajjamma and enquire about her health and happiness.

Ajjamma, who was always proud about the progress achieved by MGM college in front of her eyes, had inaugurated some sports meets and other meets of the college under pressure from students. She was also felicitated by the students. Several past students of the college had joined together a few years back and refurbished her hotel. On this occasion, they had given a name to the hotel for the first time by hanging a board, which read 'Ajjamma Cafe'.