He started distributing newspapers in the village, well before man first landed on the moon, an event that he excitedly announced a couple of days later, as he handed over the newspaper with moon landing as it’s headline. He was then an energetic young man, in his twenties, cycling almost 40 km daily, collecting newspapers from the town and distributing it all over the village.
Now he is a tired old man in his eighties, still distributing newspapers for a living, walking around as he can’t cycle. He was hit by a scooter last year, and we had helped him with some money for his treatment.
I had written about him then, how he helped many in the village find jobs through newspaper advertisements, and how he is still struggling to earn a living.
We don’t get to see him much these days, as he leaves the newspaper at the gate well before we wake up, and quietly walks away. The only time we see him is when he comes to collect his monthly bill, smartly dressed.
He was here on one such visit recently, wearing a pair of glasses, which isn’t a part of his usual attire.
So, I asked him about it, and got to know that he had undergone a cataract surgery.
“How much did it cost, and how did you find the required funds?”, I asked him.
” It was Rs 26000 for an eye, and I borrowed the amount.” He said.
“Why didn’t you tell me about it?”
” How could I? You all have done so much for me already.”
That’s the man who has done so much for the village, especially for the youngsters here find jobs.
So, we at Spice of Life, decided to help him and gave him half the amount that he paid for his surgery.
A major share of it has been donated by Ms. Sanjana Suneel Jog, an active member of the Spice of Life Community.
Thanks a lot Madam, for your help.