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This is an archive article published on December 26, 2008

Breakfast, anyone?

Rajesh Mandal, a tea stall owner in Sarabha Nagar, starts his day as the city sleeps. A prayer to Lord Shiva and he8217;s at the tea stall at 8 am.

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Rajesh Mandal, a tea stall owner in Sarabha Nagar, starts his day as the city sleeps. A prayer to Lord Shiva and he8217;s at the tea stall at 8 am. A migrant from Darbhanga district of Bihar, Rajesh says: 8220;I have to reach early as I have to procure about 8 litres of milk, which lasts the whole day, and provide breakfast to my customers.8221;

His specialty is his economical 8216;adrak wali chai8217; and paranthas. And Rajesh thrives on the compliments.

He says: 8220;When someone pats me on the back for the distinct flavour of my tea, I feel very good. But often, customers are quite rude saying 8216;aare ye kaisi ghatiya chay banai hai8217;. This pinches me a lot and I make the fresh cup for them.8221;

Rajesh has been serving his customers with smile for about fifteen years now. Gadget-friendly Rajesh also entertains orders on his cellphone, while deftly attending to his standing customers. He started helping his father at the tea stall when he was a child. Now, he is 25 years old and a father of three. Living in Phullanwal village with his family, Rajesh commutes on a bicycle.

His dream is to educate his children as every day he realises the meaning of illiteracy. 8220;When people discuss their office life and friends in English, I wish that I could fluently speak the language too. But I cannot. I never went to school owing to my poor financial state and family circumstances.8221;

Business is good as his tea stall is always crowded with customers but Rajesh has had to fend off the Municipal Corporation many times. 8220;Sometimes the MC officials remove my stall while carrying out an anti-encroachment drive. But I am thankful to my loyal customers who return unfailingly.8221;

 

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