Rise of Slum Boy
Chapter-1
Sonu was brought up in a slum by Renu, a single woman who lived
in a temporary shed. Slums flourish near most of the railway stations in the
cities and towns in India. The poor downtrodden people find it convenient to
occupy the railway or government lands where the boundary walls are not. Time
and again, there are drives by the Government to vacate the encroachments, but
after some time, the people return because they have nowhere to go. Most of
them do not possess birth certificates and residential proof. Many of them do
not know the names of their parents because they abandoned them.
The location near the railway stations is ideal for them as
they don’t have money to buy a property or rent a house. Moreover, they can
work as labourers or hawkers selling small gadgets like kids’ toys, torches,
electronic goods, beetle nuts, betel leaves, cigarettes, knives, umbrellas, or eatables-packed
snacks like potato chips, nuts, etc. Every city has local products like tea
leaves, coffee beans, cashew nuts, peanuts, and drinking water, which are in
demand in stations or outside. Some people work as rikshaw pullers, cart
pullers, and porters.
Renu worked as a part-time maid in the nearby railway
workers’ quarters during the day for a living. She wanted Sonu to study at
least up to class X, and she sent him to a Government school when he was six
years old. There was no school fee, but she needed to buy his uniforms, books,
shoes, etc. There were many other requirements for which she sold her flesh and
earned money. Sonu was young, but he saw some strangers coming to their shed at
night, and then he was shifted to the adjacent hut belonging to a rikshaw
puller.
Sonu was a kid, but he used to feel bad if some stranger
spent the night with his mother, Renu.
One day, he asked his mother, “Mom, is it true that you are
not my real mother?”
“Why do you say that?” she asked.
“People say that I was lying roadside, and you collected me
from there,” he told her.
“God has sent you to me. You are my son; I have breastfed
you from the day you came to my house,” she started crying.
“Mom, you are my real mother; please don’t cry,” Sonu said,
holding her.
“Mom, when I grow up, I will try my best to look after you.
I will give you all luxuries in life,” he said.
She pulled and embraced him.
The following morning, he went to a dealer who sold
cigarettes and some other products at wholesale rates and enquired about the
prices.
The owner looked at his school uniform and asked, “You are a
student; which class do you study?”
“I study in class VII,” he replied.
“Why do you want to sell cigarettes?” the owner asked.
“We are poor and need money to buy my books,” Sonu said.
The owner called his manager and asked him to discuss and
help Sonu.
The manager, after discussion, suggested that he may sell
tobacco leaves, as that will not require much investment and is easy to sell. He may invest Rs.1000 initially.
“Mom, I want to sell tobacco leaves after school hours. I
require Rs.1000 to invest,” he told Renu.
“If you want to work part-time, it is ok, but ensure
that your study is not affected,” she said and gave him Rs.1000.
Sonu went and bought 5 Kg of chewing tobacco at the rate of Rs.120
per Kg and an investment of Rs.600. He purchased small pouches of 200 pieces
for packaging at Rs.50. He and Renu filled approximately 25 gm, which cost him
Rs.3.25 per packet. On the first day, they could sell 100 packets at Rs.10 per
packet. He earned a net profit of Rs.675 first day, and in a month, he made a net
profit of Rs.20,250, which he gave to his mother. She was pleased. He took his
mother to the bank, opened a savings account in her name, and deposited
Rs.15,000 in HDFC bank. Renu had tears of happiness in her eyes.
“May God bless you with happiness and prosperity,” she
blessed him.
“Sonu, my dear son, it is good that you have started
earning, but I will be happy only if you study well and complete your education
up to Graduation; please promise me,” she said.
“Mom, I promise I will try my best,” he said.
He continued his study after selling tobacco in the Market
in front of the railway station after school; he used to spread a plastic sheet
on the ground over which he kept the tobacco packets. He started maintaining
plastic and stainless-steel containers, which many people required for keeping
tobacco.
His earnings had increased to Rs.1000 daily, so he deposited
Rs.20,000 every month in the bank.
With the increased income, they needed a better place to
stay so that he could study adequately and his mother would be safer. A
handyman of the railway department proposed to rent them a room, kitchen, and
toilet for Rs.1500 per month.
This was an excellent day for them to come out from that
slum. Renu and Sonu both were happy and furnished the house properly. Renu had
bought good clothes also for both of them, and they lived happily.
When Sonu was in class 10, Ghanshyam, the wholesaler, asked
if he would like to become a Sub-wholesaler for tobacco and sell materials to retailers
in the district.
“Sir, what will be my financial involvement and benefit?”
Sonu asked.
“We will supply the material at wholesale price, which you
will sell to the retailers in the district. The average monthly sale will be
approximately 10,000 Kg at a value of Rs.100 per Kg.
The retailers will approach you for purchase, and you will
bill them at Rs.110 per kg. That means you can earn up to Rs.100000 per month,”
“How much credit will you give me,” Sonu inquired.
“We shall give you credit for one month, but you must submit
a security deposit of Rs.1 lac,” he said. Sonu asked for a week
time to think over this thoroughly, to which Ghanshyam, the wholesaler, agreed.
He discussed this proposal with his mother that night.
“Where will you store the material?” Renu asked.
“One room of 100 square feet should be enough, mom,” he replied.
“Let’s meet the house owner,” she said.
They met the handyman, the house owner, who agreed to rent them space for storeroom, which would be 120 square feet, and the
monthly rent Rs.2000.
“Thank you, brother, we agree to pay the rent,” Renu said.
“Mom, how much money is in the bank? Let us check,” Sonu
asked.
She brought the bank passbook. Sonu checked and found the
cash balance up to last month was Rs.2 lacs, and Rs.8 lacs was already in the
bank in the form of a term deposit for three years.
“Ok, mom, we shall make a Term Deposit of Rs.1 lac from HDFC
bank in your name for three years, and get it pledged in name of the
wholesaler as Security Money.
“Sonu, you are grown up and intelligent boy, do whatever is good, my blessings are always with
you,” Renu said.
Sonu talked to the wholesaler, who agreed to accept the Term
Deposit as security money and appointed him as the Sub-wholesaler in charge of the district.
Sonu was the favorite boy of the slum dwellers, who treated
him with love and respect. He recruited two reliable boys from the locality to work with him for supply and distribute the stock to retailers. Side by side, he continued retail
selling of tobacco. Thus, his net income increased to Rs.1,00,000 per month, and by
the time he graduated, at the age of 22 years, he had accumulated Rs.40 lacs, which he invested in buying of a prime plot of land close to the railway station.
Chapter-2
The local MLA, Mr Jamuna Das, from the Popular Political Party, liked Sonu and appointed him as President of the Party’s Youth Wing. Sonu
was a brilliant young man by now. He did canvass for Jamuna Das during the election for Member of Parliament (MP) and helped him to win the election with a big margin. A
section of the public was opposed to Jamuna Das, but Sonu molded them in his support by carrying out some developmental works in their locality at his own expenses and promising to do more works after the election. Mr. Jamuna Das won the election
with a comfortable margin and was highly pleased with the capability of Sonu.
He rewarded Sonu by arranging a wine shop permit in the name of Renu. The income from the wine
shop was quite significant, and hence Sonu could complete construction of his house
on the plot of land purchased.
As advised by Jamuna Das, Sonu contested the election for
the post of Ward Councilor under the Municipal Corporation and was elected. He popularity increased due to his prompt developmental works, active interest, and helping attitude. He helped the people of his area in prompt clearance of their works through the municipal corporation office. Everyone was thrilled and pleased
with him.
His mother was very happy to stay in their own house. It was a big three storied building, where they had four tenants and earned Rs.40,000 per month. She
kept maids and a cook for the home. Sonu had bought a Scorpio car, as he was
required to travel frequently. Renu was proud of him.
He bought an ambulance and gave it to the public whenever
they needed it during an emergency. The people appreciated his noble
works. He was so occupied in office work, politics and business that he hardly
had much time to spare for his mother, however Renu never complained.
Renu desired that he should get married now, and she tried to discuss this with him,
but he just smiled and avoided making any commitment.
She had met Ratna, a Press Reporter, during the election
campaign, and liked her. She was beautiful, well-educated, and could be a good
match for him. She had asked her directly whether she would like to marry Sonu. Ratna's face was blushing, and her reply was affirmative.
Sonu was a very wealthy person by now. He had two wine shops,
wholesale for tobacco products, groceries, a water bottling plant and his
monthly income had increased to Rs.10 lacs. As advised by the Tax consultant, he
used to spend a good amount for charity work to get rebates in income tax.
He held an important position in the Popular Party, and Mr. Jamuna
Das, MP, had asked him to be ready to contest the upcoming MLA election; since
the Party President had assured him to give the ticket to Sonu. The election
was near, so Mr Jamuna Das came from Delhi and campaigned for him.
Sonu had revamped the Youth Wing of his Party and nominated
Ratna as the new President in his place, which was supported by the Party. This resulted in a good number of
women’s votes in his favor. With the support of Mr Jamuna Das and other party
workers, he procured highest number of votes and won the election.
There was a big celebration of his victory in the party
office, and there was a feast in his house, which was attended by all the top
leaders from his Party, the local leaders, and his supporters. The party
workers and volunteers enjoyed the free-flowing drinks, dance, and dining till
late at night.
Unfortunately, Sonu’s Popular Party had not performed well in
the election. Hence the Nationalist Party formed the Government in the State,
and the Popular Party sat in Opposition in the State Assembly.
Sonu had spent about Rs.100 lacs (Rs.10 million) in the
election. Moreover, the new Government passed a bill for prohibition, which
banned the sale of alcohol in the State, and both of his wine shops were
closed. This resulted in a sudden reduction in his income.
Ghanshyam, the wholesaler, met him one day and discussed the
effect of prohibition thoroughly.
“The new Government has done very wrong by the imposition of
prohibition in the State. Many workers working in wine shops, bars, and
warehouses have lost their jobs, and we, the wine dealers, have been affected
drastically. I had seven numbers of wine shops and a bar, and all my employees
are on the road now without any work,” Ghanshyam said.
“I fail to understand, why the prohibition is introduced in
our State only when all the neighboring States are wet areas?” he said.
“The poor people have started taking the local impure hooch
and are falling sick and dying, and the upper-class people are going to the neighboring
states on weekends for drinking,” Ghanshyam said and looked at Sonu, the new
MLA, for a response.
“What can we do?” Sonu asked.
“I have an idea,” Ghanshyam said.
“And what is that? Tell me,” Sonu inquired.
“This is a great injustice done to the people of our State.
The prohibition is of no use. The people are still drinking. The poor tribal
people are forced to consume hooch, and often, they fall sick or die due to adulteration.
We must do something,” he stopped and looked at Sonu for his reaction.
“We have raised our concern in the State Assembly many times
during the question hours and discussions, but we can’t do anything because the
ruling party is adamant and won’t change their stand,” Sonu informed.
“Sir, I have an idea,” Ghanshyam said.
“What is that?” Sonu asked.
“We can bring Indian Made Foreign Liquors (IMFL) from the neighboring
states and supply to the people in need,” Ghanshyam said.
“The excise department will take action against the
bootleggers and seize the materials,” Sonu said.
“Yes, there is risk involved, but we may raise the price three
times higher the cost and keep the provision to cover any loss in the event of
seizure,” Ghanshyam Das explained.
“I have connections with excise and police departments,” he
said.
“Everyone is not corrupt,” Sonu said.
“That’s correct, sir, sometimes there will be action, that’s
why, we are going to keep the profit margin high; which will cover the loss,”
he said.
“Sonu sir, your two wine shops are affected, for which you
have lost Rs.60 lacs yearly,” he continued.
“Sir, we need your support and protection, for which we
shall keep a good provision for your party fund,” he concluded.
“Ok, please wait a minute; let me talk with Mr. Jamuna Das,
MP,” Sonu replied.
He called Mr. Jamuna Das and told him about the proposal.
“I agree; we can’t allow the people to die taking adulterated
hooch. Keep provision for the party fund,” he said.
“Have you worked out the feasibility,” Sonu asked Ghanshyam.
“Yes, the estimated annual sale will be approximately
Rs.1000 lacs. We shall keep good provision for donation to the party,” he
replied.
Ghanshyam was adamant, so Sonu maintained silence. He did
not say anything.
Ghanshyam managed all concerned and started buying liqueurs
from the neighboring states. There was a
provision for door delivery to avoid a rush at the delivery points. The network
was well organized, so there was not much risk involved for Ghanshyam or any
officials. Many youths were appointed to collect orders, give home delivery,
and collect payments in cash. These boys would only accept orders from known
and reliable people and simultaneously deliver one or two bottles. They were
paid well based on the quantum of sale.
Sonu was busy with Assembly matters, meeting the people in
his constituency, listening to their problems, and suggestions, taking stock of
various works under execution by the different authorities as per plan and
program and initiating proposals for new schemes.
The wholesale of tobacco products was in his mother’s name,
and she could handle that with the help of the staff.
Ghanshyam was doing his wholesale business as usual. He had
already tied up for buying the liquors from the neighboring states, and the
bootleggers were delivering these up to destinations in a very secretive and
safe way. The network for buying IMFL, delivery, distribution, and home
delivery were in place.
Everything was going on smoothly. General people knew
nothing about the illegal sale and distribution of expensive IMFL bottles. The
hooch was however creating a big problem; since many cases of poisoning and deaths
were reported due to adulterated locally made cheap alcohols. The hooch was
made in the deep forest, in the interior villages, where the excise department
people could not go frequently. If any incident of poisoning and death were
reported, the excise department became active immediately and raided those
areas, seized the hooch, and destroyed it. The makeshift distillation equipment
was also destroyed, but it would crop up again after some time.
During such tragic incidents, whenever there would be a hue
and cry by the public, NGOs and press bootlegging would halt temporarily, but
due to the demand, the business would start again.
Sonu was a well-settled man in a respectable position. When
he married Ratna, the press reporter, he told her about the on-going bootlegging
business and she condemned it.
Sonu, Renu, and Ratna jointly decided that they would not
support anyone involved in bootlegging. They would lead clean lives and work
honestly for the public’s welfare. Sonu dedicated himself to the services of the
public.
Sonu invested his savings in the purchase of a big plot of
land in a prominent area of the town and constructed a big market complex. The
rent from which will be significant, and they could live a comfortable life.
Sonu is an intelligent and honest man of high moral
character brought up in a slum by a lady who sold herself to give proper
education to him and set an example for others that the education of children
was an important factor in the upliftment of society.
Disclaimer: This story, or any other story posted on this Blog/Web site, is entirely a work of fiction. Names, characters, and incidents portrayed in these are the work of the author's imagination. Any resemblance to the actual person/persons, living or dead, events localities is entirely coincidental.
Comments