Bantwal: Teenaged Lock Peddler -Ambassador of Honest Living
 
by Mounesh Vishwakarma
Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (RD/SP)
 
Bantwal, Jun 17: Bishnu, a teenager and peddler of locks manufactured at Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh (UP) was in B C Road, here on Monday June 15, selling his wares.  Although he has not attended a school all his life, he is confident of succeeding in his job. 
 
“What do I get out of attending a school? Perhaps some day, I would be able to earn Rs 50,000 a month,” comments a beaming Bishnu, who began working since he was eight.  “In the beginning, I worked as a tea boy, before getting work in a garage.  I have been selling locks since the past three years and earn about Rs 1,800 per month.  I enjoy my job and am happy with what I do,” says Bishnu.  His commitment to work, braving all the odds of having to tour extensively and having to deal with different kinds of people, conveys a message that anything could be achieved with perseverance and determination.

Bishnu, who is about 18 years old, has already toured Karnataka extensively, by covering Gulbarga, Sholapur, Karnoor, Davanagere, Tumkur, Hassan and Mangalore, before arriving at B C Road, here.  “I have not attended school, since my parents were not well-off.  My other sisters and brothers go to school in my native place.  My father has taught me to read and also to do simple calculations that help me in my daily sales,” he says.  Meanwhile, he is not regretful about not being able to get any schooling. Instead, he is a bit sarcastic about the advantages of getting educated.
 
“My parents reside in Aligarh, UP and I go to my native place once in six months.  All my expenses are borne by my employer.  I save my entire salary to send back home,” he says in a tone that sounds honest and sincere.
 
“My brother-in-law earns Rs 50,000 per month, I will also some day, be able to earn that much in a month,” Bishnu said with hope and gleaming eyes, before bidding farewell to go about his business.
 
In the backdrop of rising crimes being committed by the educated youth in our country, the fact that an uneducated teenager has been earning his livelihood by peddling locks, touring through the length and breadth of the country in the process and dreaming of earning big money some day, is commendable indeed! Three cheers to Bishnu and his clan!!