Paying Homage to the hard working in India
In India, one wakes up to the sounds of vehicles, the calls of street vendors, and the barking of stray dogs. These are sounds that grow on you and endear you to this country.
Currently, I am in Rajajinagar, Bangalore, an old area where I grew up. I lived here for 26 years before moving to the States. The city has grown a lot, and Rajajinagar is no exception.
As I go about my day, I can’t help but notice the fruit vendor on the street corner. His presence post-COVID signifies that all is well with the world. I have grown accustomed to seeing Bala (Balan), the fruit vendor at the corner of my busy street. Without my knowledge, I have pledged my allegiance to buy fruits from him. He never asked for this allegiance. Just the fact that he is there every day, rain or shine, has made me a loyal customer. He always wears a quick smile and inquires about my day. We chat a little and I purchase the fruits he sells. This casual conversation started a special bond and friendship between us.
When I decided to start my blog, I made a promise to myself that I would write the story about his life’s journey that placed him on my path. To get this story, I interviewed Bala, and here are excerpts from that interview.
Bala, originally from Papanasam, Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu state), India, started working at the age of 12. A soap company brought him to Chennai and paid him a starting salary of 72 paise (which is less than $.012). Having worked various jobs, from construction to being a fruit vendor today, he shares that he has no desire to accumulate wealth as it always leads to problems. He strongly believes that his health is his true richness. He is proud of his daughter who studied MCOM (Masters in Commerce) all through government school education. Her education journey is unconditionally supported by him.
Being Indian and having met many conservative families among the working class, who do not believe in the value of getting their daughters educated and who want to just get their daughters married, Bala is a breath of fresh air, someone who has urged his daughter to get as much education as she wants.
I spoke to his daughter who talked about how amazing her father is. Though uneducated, she says he always encourages her to think for herself. While he provides guidance when asked, he always encourages her to take her decisions. I found his parenting style incredible. He is a friend of his daughter.
He earns about Rs.1000/- a day in profits, which is about $12/day. To earn this money, his day starts at 3:30 am when he goes to the market to buy fruits. At his corner, he stands until about 1:30 pm. He takes a break until about 4:30 pm. He resumes selling until his day ends at 8:30 pm. During his conversations, he often emphasizes the importance of honesty and mentions that he never takes help from the government. He values his independence and does not want to owe anyone.
I asked him if he has any advice for other viewers who might listen to this interview or read this blog. He says he has none to give. He feels there is not much honesty in the world. Though he has been cheated several times in his life, he has always bounced back.
Listening to his story of survival is humbling. The money he takes home makes me wonder how he has managed to survive. I wonder how he survived COVID and the lockdowns.? The money he makes as a profit barely helps him and his family afloat.
While his story is humbling it also shows you what is possible with perseverance, hope, and confidence.
Click here if you understand Tamil to hear Bala’s story in his own words.