On the road at 63
The life of a travelling cobbler
IN the heart of the bustling city, 63-year-old Surendra Prasad has become a common sight on the roads, making his rounds daily and rendering his services as a shoe maker. Carrying his bag of tools and more than four decades worth of experience and skills, Surender hails from Waiqele in Labasa.
He is the youngest of three siblings and is married with two sons. He grew up in Labasa where his parents were farmers.
“We helped my parents tend to the farm,” he said. “I attended Sangam Primary School up until Class 3 then it was decided for me to stay home.” Working and helping his family, Surendra secured a job at the age of 12, working at Hiralal and Sons during the ‘70s.
“I started working when I was 12.
“I would repair different types of shoes and I became good at it, but the pay was too little to support me.”
Then at the age of 26, in search of greener pastures, Surendra decided to move to Suva.
“When I came to Suva, I started cutting grass around the neighborhood and along the roads.
“I would clean around Nasese, Suva City and Sukuna Park.”
Because of the harsh labour demanded by the job, Surendra soon realised he could not continue working as a grass cutter.
“It was tough, so I went back to fixing shoes and repairing bags at other businesses around town.” Mr Prasad is up early and begins his mobile business at 6:30am. He walks from Viria Rd in Vatuwaqa all the way to Nabua, Namadi and settlements along the way.
“I wake up early and leave the house at 6.30 because the heat is usually unbearable for me if I start late.”
His business earnings vary according to the customers he serves.
“Some days I earn $30 while on other days I earn $15.
“I go back home when I reach my target, but on most occasions I just feel too tired and need to have a rest.” Rain or shine, Surendra conducts his business daily with a tiny umbrella tucked in his carry bag for Suva’s unpredictable weather. “I am currently on social welfare, and I am thankful to the Government for the assistance. But what I have is not enough to sustain me and my family. We have bills along with food expenses, so I had to force myself to come back to this business so I can help with whatever I can.”
Surendra currently suffers from a heart condition that slows down his business and ability to reach more customers.
“No one in Fiji is poor, if you have two hands and good working legs, you can survive.
“I face difficulties because of my age and my condition, but I still try.”
The hardworking man said it has come to his attention that the young generation have become lazy.
“I have encountered a lot of attempted robberies by youths passing by, so I carry my needle and scissors in my hand for self-protection.
“It’s sad to hear youths are turning to crime when they are still very capable of finding a job to earn money.”
What sets Surendra apart is not just his skills and wealth of knowledge, but also stories he carries with him.
With each pair of shoes, belt or bag that comes his way, he shares his tales of his journey and memories.
“I am currently on social welfare, and I am thankful to the Government for the assistance. But what I have is not enough to sustain me and my family. We have bills along with food expenses, so I had to force myself to come back to this business so I can help with whatever I can.
– Surendra Prasad –