From my childhood, I saw that man would repair people’s shoes and until now he is doing it. When I asked him about his work, Nitta Babu said,” My work has no value to others, but to me it has more value.” In 1972 he was involved in this work .Now he is 50.His father Manmohan Babu was a farmer. He learnt the deed from his master named Shudananda Babu.He did not get chance to receive education in his childhood. He said to me that he is very restless in his early age and he is the only son of his parents.
For livelihood he came to Dhaka and started the occupation as a cobbler. He has been working for 35 years. He earns tk100 per day and works from 7am to 5pm everyday. He has three sons and one daughter. His two sons work in a garage with their uncle. They have no wish to join his father’s work. His daughter is studying in a school. He told me that one thing gives him hurt that his children get shame to mention his father’s occupation. After finishing his speech, I saw a strange reflection on his face that is mixed up with insulted smile and sorrow. He is struggling to manage the food and drink for his family. In this he is passing the days purposelessly.
Written by Suchitra Roy