Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (MS)

Puttur, Jul 18: Panipuri, which was limited to North India as a favourite snack of the general public, is quite popular now in South India as well. Coastal districts also have good demand for this snack. However, if the puri which is the main ingredient of this snack is not supplied on time, then the business is likely to be hampered.

A bus driver, who saw the need for supplying puris to the hawkers and small joints where panipuri lovers throng in the evening, gave up his job and started supplying the panipuri and today is a successful entrepreneur.

Manoj, a resident of Darandakukku in the taluk, who was working as a city bus driver in the city of Mangaluru, is the one who has established various panipuri manufacturing units throughout the district of Dakshina Kannada and is reaping handsome profits.

Manoj first started the panipuri making unit at his home itself at Darandakukku along with his mother Mohini.

Manoj, who worked as a city bus driver for five years in the city of Mangaluru, returned to his native place of Darandakukku and started working as an autorickshaw driver. While driving around the town, he saw a great demand for panipuri. While he was working as an autorickshaw driver, he was supplying three to four kgs of panipuri everyday.

Manoj bought a panipuri making machine two and half years ago and built a shed at his house. Later, he gave up driving his auto and started this business full time. He manufactured 40 kg of panipuri per day and found good market in Puttur, Sullia, Subramanya and Kadaba.

In the beginning, a generator was essential to run the Puri making machine and diesel required for it used to consume most of the profit he made. Later, Selco company provided a solar operated pani puri making machine. The cost of this was Rs 3 lac. Selco foundation gave Rs 70,000 as grant for Manoj. Manoj took a loan from a bank to fund the remaining amount.

Now, Manoj produces around 70 kg of panipuri a day. His shed also is renovated with the aid of Selco at a cost of Rs 5.5 lac. His income has increased and he has provided employment to five people as well.

Manoj’s story proves that one need not necessarily be a business graduate to run an industry. Hard work and determination can bring success to any individual.