Of BBA chaatwalas, MBA chaiwalas & respecting gigs
Last Sunday, as I was driving past the gurdwara in Phase 11 with my family, we saw two young turbaned men, clad in suit and tie, selling chaat (snacks) from a cart. Curiously, they called themselves ‘BBA Chaatwala’.
As it turned out, they had been classmates in a bachelor of business administration (BBA) programme. They had passed out two years ago, but had found it difficult to find a job as the pandemic was at its peak. The two of them then decided to start this venture, a far departure from their academic training and their family’s farming background. This move shows they respect what they do, and also manage to make a decent living out of it.
My son, who is pursuing MBA in sales and marketing, was amazed to see these young educated guys selling chaat. As a professional skill trainer, I frequently see schools and coaching centres making passing with flying colours a matter of life and death for students. Most times, those who are able to reproduce term definitions in lectures, assignments and tests are among the smartest students in a class. Although, most of them do not know the real-life application of the concepts they are taught. Television shows and movies have made many attempts to send out the message that youngsters may be blessed with their own unique skill set. Siddharth Kak’s show Hunnarbaaz, which aired on DD National, explored the realisation of the human potential through abilities.
Films such as ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Swades’, ‘Stanley Ka Dabba’, ‘Nil Battey Sannata’ and ‘Secret Superstar’ to name a few, have beautifully portrayed the out-ofthe-box capabilities and career development of youngsters. They must be complemented by social support and respect in the community. The person who fixes my smartphone, laptop or desktop deserves the same respect as any other professional. Until we treat them as equals, we can forget about taking their skills to the next level.
In the 90s, no graduate was willing to take up manual labour and would rather stay unemployed. It gladdens me to see MBA chaiwalas, and many other odd startups. Skill development is an area where we still need a shift in thinking. We need to realise that not every child wants to be a doctor, engineer, lawyer or scientist, many could be talented chefs or chauffeurs, while others may make painting, writing or beauty wellness their profession. Whatever their choice, we must respect it. In most developed countries, a person’s skills are respected, not their qualifications or family background.
Skilling is about families being sensitised. It is about regions and cities recognising and respecting people for their skills, whatever they may be. We as a society need to assure youngsters that we will support and encourage them in their quest to discover themselves and their ability.
WE NEED TO REALISE THAT NOT EVERY CHILD WANTS TO BE A DOCTOR, ENGINEER, LAWYER OR SCIENTIST, THEY COULD ALSO BE TALENTED CHEFS, CHAUFFEURS, PAINTERS OR WRITERS