Their life is not as sweet as the burfis they sell at Chennai railway stations

Chennai: Every day, we encounter people from different sections of society during our journey in suburban trains. In our day-to-day travel, we see vendors selling vegetables, mobilephone covers, pens and hot peanuts.

To a get a insight of their live, News Today spoke with a few visually challenged people who make their ends meet by selling peanut burfi at railway stations.

Janaki Devi, a native of Velliyur, who sells burfi near the busy stairs of Guindy station which is similar to a beehive in peak hours, has a lot to share about
her life.

“Both me and my husband are visually challenged. A boy from our neighborhood helps us to buy peanut burfi in wholesale. We earn our daily bread by selling these. We either have food from hotel or starve during days without enough sales,” says Janaki, shouting above the rattling noise of local trains.

“Police never allow us to sell on stations as it is against the rule. But we are helpless,” She adds.

Jebin, a native of Kanyakumari and a resident of K K Nagar now, sells peanut burfi near the stairs of Kodambakkam station also has a similar story to tell.

“I buy peanut burfi in wholesale from dealers in Chennai central and Saidapet. With Rs 1 profit that I receive by selling each packet, I manage to make an average of Rs 200 to Rs 300 daily that could at least take care of my expenses and fill my stomach,” says Jebin.

“Though I worked in a biscuit company and as a customer call executive in two telecom services after the completion of B A Degree, I was never paid well. Being blind, I was never appointed for any other jobs or received any help from the government. I got no other choice left,” he adds.

“I am selling burfis for the past 4 years. We have to get fresh packets daily and if the sale is less, unsold packets are waste. By selling these products I live a dignified life, as a I do not have to beg,” he says.

The story doesn’t ends here. It is a moving reflection of many. Though these people are so poor, they exhibit the real grit and spine, the dignity and fortitude to face life’s challenges.

The struggle faced by them to acquire a living is unimaginable. They never beg. We hope government may provide them better help.

Article by Ganesh Shanker K K