KOCHI: Sreelakshmi Ajesh, who has a double postgraduate degree and set qualification, aspired to become a teacher. But now she shines in making pickles with an income of Rs 5 lakh per month. The reason for this is a pickle she made for a close friend by looking at YouTube . The Prime Minister's Office intervened during the initial crisis and later her business flourished.

33-year old Sreelakshmi from Tripunithura holds a Masters Degree in Chemistry and Psychology. An aided school asked for Rs 40 lakh for job. So she turned to pickle making and her brother's fund Rs 500 helped her.

Thus, four years ago, Kalavara Food Products began. Food items are cooked in their own kitchen in the flat without artificial ingredients. The establishment was relocated to a rented building. Now there are seven employees. The taste has now reached 12 countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. She is survived by her husband Ajesh Ambalappadan and family.

As a response to her letter, PM's office intervened once when post office refused to send food items. The main pickles are mango, lemon, tamarind, gooseberry, garlic, dates, fish, shrimp, beef, mussels, mixed vegetables and cauliflower. Chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, curry powder, sambar powder, garam masala such items are being produced now.

''The success was due to the ingredients used in the pickle. Most people buy it based on others suggestions." said Sreelakshmi Ajesh