If you also think your life is tough then read this 👇
While searching for something exclusive to cover in reporting on one of the largest fairs in northern India, Jammu, I met Mr. Junneyal Singh a 75-year-old man from Mumbai. He lives with his family members including his son and daughter-in-law but what sets him apart is resilience.
Every year 10 days before the fair, he leaves his home, to set up his stall selling items like Comb, Nailcutter, a few cosmetic items, and picture frames of Baba Jitto- an iconic figure for which the fair is famous.
Before I could have begun any conversation with him, he opened up about his life and his lifelong journey. He shared that he never lived his life without work not even a single- day and is currently working a night shift job as a security guard in Mumbai.
Yet, despite his tireless dedication he faces humiliation at work!
He daily comes in the early morning for almost 10-12 days to run his stall, and if you have ever visited Jammu you can imagine the biting cold! But sadly his family hardly supports and takes care of him but expects a share of his earnings!
While the city was blinking with joy and celebration there was hardly anyone who noticed about small vendors and living- soul like Junneyal Singh!
Yet, his passion shone through as he narrated the story of Baba Jitto with unmatched enthusiasm and a heartfelt smile. While he was sharing the story of Baba Jitto with so much enthusiasm and a smile. For a moment it felt like Baba Jitto itself come to tell his story to me.
(Fact- It is also said that if anyone has ever consumed the grain of this land by any chance, he/she came here to pay tribute to the great idol. Perhaps, I was one of them!)
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