Serving tasty dishes fuel Kozhikode native Nisha’s fight against cancer

Thiruvambadi: Kanjirakkattukunnel Nisha John, a native of Pulloorampara, has turned her battle with cancer into a journey of courage and resilience. Instead of letting the disease dictate her life, she has found new purpose and hope by serving tasty food to people.

Her `She Café', located on the Pulloorampara–Anakkampoyil Road, has become a popular stopover for commuters. Local delicacies such as kumbilappam and cutlets are served here daily, drawing regular visitors.

Nisha, who once worked as a nurse both abroad and in Kozhikode, set up the café with Rs.1.5 lakh she received from the panchayat under a women’s self-entrepreneurship scheme. It was during this time that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Choosing not to give in, she decided to fight back, supported wholeheartedly by her husband, Jojo Kanjirakkadan.

Her inspiration, Nisha says, came from hearing the moving life story and hospital experiences of the son of Haris Kattakath, founder of the Hope Child Cancer Care Foundation. This strengthened her resolve and planted the idea of starting something new alongside the café.

A few months ago, when Jojo returned from Lakshadweep with dry fish, Nisha turned it into a powder, made cutlets and sold them through her café. The dish became a huge hit, sparking the idea of `Idicha Meen' (crushed fish). Soon, stocks of boiled and dried tuna were sourced from Lakshadweep and crushing and roasting machines were purchased. Her younger daughter, Kensa Mariya, a Class 4 student, came up with the brand name “Fishum Dishyum.” Today, the product is sold in 250- and 500-gram packs and has found strong demand both online and offline.

Nisha is not alone in this mission. Friends Molly Pullokkatt and Jessy Vetuvellil work alongside her at the café, while her children, Jacob J Kanjirakkadan, Catherine Mariya and little Kensa too lend constant support. Nisha is also active in cancer patient collectives. She can be reached at 9349319311.