Wheeling and dealing
Iam amazed by the enterprising spirit of many Indians who have not been blessed with riches or educational opportunities. You see them everywhere, making the most of the little they have and determined to eke out a living by any means possible. This is where the humble cycle or scooter comes into play.
Early in the morning, you can see several of these two-wheelers loaded with tall piles of newspapers stacked in front, with a person riding pillion placing a hand on the pile to prevent any mishap. With unerring aim, the newspaper is launched into space and lands safely on the other side of a gate or wall, and the riders continue on their journey. The engine is never switched off and the papers are delivered in record time.
You have the small-time vendor with a basket fitted at the back of the bicycle filled with fruits or vegetables. I have also been startled by the loud burst of music while walking — only to discover with amusement that the source of the sound is one such vendor with speakers attached to his vehicle. My irritation at the noise melts as I realise that he is simply trying to make his tedious journey a little more bearable with enlivening music.
The scooter or motorcycle has been transformed into a beast of burden. For
Chaotic traffic
So, gas cylinders, sacks of rice and even small items of furniture are placed on the two-wheeler. Sometimes the goods being transported jut out from the sides and the rider has to be careful while negotiating his way through chaotic traffic that nothing spills or hits an unsuspecting pedestrian.
The family outing is made possible by squeezing as many as five people on a bike, with children hidden from view by the bulk of the adults. Although triple riding is a punishable offence, the cops turn a blind eye to this infraction. Taking full advantage of this leniency, families as well as friends test the limits by trying to set a record for the biggest number of humans on a scooter or motorcycle. It is rare to see just one or two on a bike. Perhaps the rising price of petrol is to blame or maybe we are a land of thrill-seekers!
Setting up business isn’t always a nightmare if you aren’t too fussy and don’t want to go through the torture of paperwork. Set up shop at the side of the road, preferably under a tree, and wait for customers. You might have to appease the policeman patrolling the area, but it is a small price to pay. The cobbler is one such happy vendor who plies his trade out in the open as also the barber. You don’t need a reception area or other staff. It’s a one-man operation.
The cart is yet another useful aid in trade. You are free to move around and seek greener pastures if you feel business in a particular locality isn’t doing well. Food carts seem to have sprung up at almost every corner, catering to an expanding customer base who like to pick up a meal or snacks on the go or stop and have a quick bite. These seem to be flourishing, judging by the number of people thronging these places.
“Location, location” seemed to be the mantra for any successful start-up, but in a city bursting at the seams, you can be sure that there will always be a crowd wherever you are.
Hats off to all these enterprising souls who daily demonstrate the indomitable spirit that helps overcome any challenge.
■ Vanaja Rao is a freelance writer based in Hyderabad, India.