BEHIND Reshma Singh’s jokes and vibrant personality is a less talked-about story. It is a tale founded on perseverance and silent endurance.
Rain or shine, this solo mum, 48, shows up each day at her makeshift stall along Rodwell Rd in Suva to carry on her labour of love.
As her laughter fills the air, it’s almost easy to miss the intensity of the weight of responsibility she carries on her shoulders.
“Life is not easy for many but to have the strength to wake up every morning and embrace the new day without complaint is a good way to start the day,” she said.
“As we long as we live, we should be prepared to work hard and live with pride.”
Reshma lives at the Muslim League settlement in Nabua and has been selling newspapers and savoury snacks to provide for her two children.
“I have been selling here for more than a year and I am very grateful to a media company for setting up this space for me.
“I used to sell from home and at times I would travel from one business location to another — so this place is a blessing because it saves me from walking long distances.”
Reshma continues with determination, driven by the motivation to provide for her younger son who is in primary school.
“I come to sell everyday so that I can educate him, though I don’t always earn the same income everyday but at least I take something home for our daily expenses.
“I make chilli bongo, peanut mix, peas and bhuja at home while I buy few snacks from the supermarket to sell.”
The support she receives from businesses during festive seasons means a lot to her.
“During Christmas season snacks and beverages from a media company was given to us and this made us feel valued as we sell their newspaper throughout the year.
“I also got food vouches which greatly helped my small family.”
As she shared a joke with fellow vendors, her happy demeanour betrayed the seriousness of her plight, one hinged on inadequate housing.
Reshma’s family is among those issued eviction notices before Christmas last year.
“Yes, we are one of the families told to leave our home and we are still waiting for some solution to this.
“I hope that before something like this happens again the government and the landowners can solve this dispute or find us a place to move to.”
Reshma’s story is one that demonstrates the extent mothers would go to provide for their children.
