Chasing Indian civil service exams repeatedly after failing each time is a hard career path for many. While a few clear the exam in repeated attempts, some find it hard to break the jinx.
Devi Praseeda from Alappuzha in Kerala was smart enough to realise the grim reality of the exam’s win probability after her first failed attempt. Instead of continuing with sleepless nights of study and preparation, she chose to build an eatery business of her own in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. The small venture, started with an initial investment of Rs 20,000, now sells over 300 burgers every day, bringing in a revenue of lakhs every month.
Though her family was against her decision to quit the civil service exam preparation after the first attempt, she was determined not to waste any more time on it and instead took up vlogging and her entrepreneurial journey.
Her first business venture turned out to be a success when she ran a small stall under the brand name “Dookan Sarbath” to serve refreshing cool drinks during a temple festival in Alappuzha in 2024.
The success gave her the confidence to launch a wayside eatery called “Dookan Burgers” in Thiruvananthapuram, selling delicious burgers, with an investment of Rs 20,000. She even learned burger making from a professional burger maker. Financial constraints and an unrelenting desire to be financially independent gave her the courage to launch the venture.
According to Devi Praseeda, she decided to start the street food business because she wanted the freedom to work on her own terms rather than follow a routine job. More importantly, she wanted to build an identity of her own.
