~ Father Son Duo...~

 His smile wins heart, the father son duo make a formidable businessman, not haggling for even a rupee, they are astute as the afternoon son – blistering and for a purpose.

My recent excursion to a famous Shiv temple made me meet people with varied colors and creed, many of whom have shanty shops just outside the place of worship, for they know that the footfall of devotees would make them bring customers – the scorching heat is another key factor for them to stash bottles of water and many soft drinks. 

Not to forget the ample sachets of betelnuts and raw tobacco – ask them as to why have they kept in close visibility of the customer, the father is quick to respond “Sir, it is a most saleable item!” – In this part of India – and here I am mentioning Gujrat , “most people, including females have addiction to chewing tobacco!, it brings good business.”  

He was slate clean in his remarks as being a business he was – Gujrati people are known for their precision business acumen and insights, you cannot haggle much for what they have priced is the benchmark of the goods they are bound to sell.

“Ramprakash” and “Govinda” were their names, the father was dressed in his pristine local medley of traditional dress Gujrati rural folk wear – though his son Govinda was dressed as if to mingle in the crowd of devotees who had throng the famous shiv temple to pay obeisance  to the Lord.

As I conversed with them – “How long have you been running this shop?”, the answer was quick ( but with a Colgate smile) “ Sir its has been almost thirty years!” – “Quite a long time,”, I said.

“Yes, sir, very long time” , he affirmed.

“So what does Govinda do? Does he study or he sits with your and wants to run this shop and become a businessman, as trademark for many Gujrati families!”

“Sir, he studies in class eight in a local school, but he is not interested in studies and want to be Dhirubhai Ambani!”, he boasted as a mark of respect for India’s largest private conglomerate business house which he set from scratch.

“Yes, I know may Gujrati’s adore his ambition and I haven’t seen many of you guys working on a salary. Even if you start with a small shop or a shack, for you respect of being self employed is much more than working for others!” – as I spoke this words, Ramprakash’s chest was swollen with pride and he quickly affirmed my sayings, standing just next to me was his son Govinda, who also felt a sense of greatness and pride as I could see smile on his face and a bright sparkle in his eyes as if raring to go to conquer the world.” 

As my visit was almost nearing its end, I requested for a pic to be published on this platform, they both readily agreed and also told me to WhatsApp the link – today they will surely be happy lot to see their clicked picture on the internet – I know they cant read English but they would certainly be beaming with pride to see themselves footprinted on the world of internet – not to forget, they told me that they would tell their fellow shopkeepers to have achieved this feat …. This small gesture would give them immense popularity amongst their peers….

As I said a final goodbye…there faces light up in all smiles… taking their whatsapp numbers, they now eagerly await their photos to be published in the virtual world of internet….