Collegemates turn entrepreneurs during lunch breaks

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: For Aditi Devi and Rithin J. Joseph, the college lunch break is more than just a time to eat — it’s their window for entrepreneurship. In that one-hour slot, the duo swiftly produces sugarcane juice, bottles it, and distributes it to nearby shops, before heading back for afternoon classes.

Aditi, a third-year student, and Rithin, in his second year, are pursuing Travel and Tourism courses at the Kerala Institute of Tourism and Travel Studies (KITTS). The two students successfully balance academics and business, generating a steady income through their venture — an initiative sparked by the Tourism Club Project launched by the state’s Tourism Department.

The pair selected sugarcane juice as their business idea when offered the chance to become entrepreneurs at tourist destinations. Backed by Tourism Club Project Coordinator Sachin and the department itself, they used the money earned as coordinators of the Nishagandhi International Dance Festival to fund their startup.

50 bottles a day
Their sugarcane juice kiosk, branded “Hurricane,” was first launched at Kanakakkunnu Palace grounds in March and quickly gained popularity. To keep operations running during the academic year, they shifted to bottling the juice for distribution. Preparation begins the previous evening with cleaning sugarcane stalks. A juicing machine worth Rs 60,000 — purchased on instalment — helps speed up production, which is carried out at Rithin’s home in Mettukada. In just 30 minutes, they produce around 50 bottles.

Distribution is handled by supplying 10 bottles each to five local shops, with each bottle priced at Rs 50. Despite the strong demand, managing time between studies and business remains their biggest hurdle. On holidays, the duo reopens their kiosk at Kanakakkunnu to cater directly to customers.

Rithin, a consistent class topper, is the son of Jayaraj and Mary Pushpa, residents of Mettukada, Thycaud. Aditi, originally from Veliyam in Kollam, now lives in Ulloor and is the daughter of Rajeev and Abhila.