In conversation with Ravindranath

My Father Opened This Business

My name is Ravindranath, and I have been doing business here since 1960, selling newspapers and magazines. My father opened this business in 1960, and I have been continuing it ever since. I am from Malleshwaram. In 1960, the shop was on 11th Cross, and now it is on 13th Cross.

The Essence Remains, the People Have Changed

There are no changes in the essence of this place, but the people have changed. The people who were born and raised here have moved away. Now, almost 60-70% of the population is outsiders. There is more traffic now compared to earlier times when there were fewer vehicles and less congestion.

When Humanity Was Given More Value

The people were more loving and trusting back then. Life was good. At that time, we didn't need so much money to live. Now, we need a lot of money just to get by. We were happy then. Back then, there wasn't much importance given to money. There was respect for people—humanity was given more value. This mindset cannot be found anymore.

Customers from the 1960s Still Come

My customers have been very respectful since I started the shop, and they still are. I see the same customers from back then, many from the 1960s, and that connection remains strong. This is what keeps me going.

The Bomb Blast, a Dark Moment

I see this place every day, so I don't have one particular memory—perhaps I am too used to the area. I do remember that there was a bomb blast here, near the BJP office. A woman was rumoured to have lost her leg because of the blast—it was bad. It has been around ten years since then. That was a dark moment for our area.

I Have Been Doing This for So Many Years

I like the work a lot, but I also don't know any other work. I have been doing this for so many years, and I will continue to do it. I have to like this job, and it is enjoyable. That's why we do this. We get books every month or every week and sell them. If the book doesn't sell, we get a return amount. Books are exchanged quite often that way.

Neither Very Good Nor Very Bad

My business is neither very good nor very bad—it's going on. Back then, of course, my business was much more successful; it is sad how different it is now. But we can't do anything about it. The times have changed in a lot of ways. My only wish is that everything goes smoothly in life. I cannot ask for anything else. But I am glad to be here in Malleshwaram.