Vijay, Dharamshala.

“I started my business when I was only 10. Now I am a proper shoe doctor. Beside from that, I also fix zips. I am really very good as shoe shining.

I am basically from Rajasthan. It has been several years since I moved to McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala. My wife and my daughter is in Rajasthan. I visit them once in a while. I am the only bread earner from my family. My daughter goes to school. I am happy that I am able to support my daughter’s education by cleaning shoes.

Here in Dharamshala, I stay in lower Dharamshala. Every morning I take bus to my stall and every evening, I walk. Even though it is 15 km away, it is a good walk as well as good for health. But monsoon season is not so good.

Being in Dharamshala is bit difficult as my family is miles away but when I think about the support that I am able to give from Dharamshala, I feel happy and a good father.

Dharamshala is good for my business. Lots of tourists are here. Yet, many things are changing. Now days, there are not many tourists and business is slow. Especially the cars, taxi and most of all, these big trucks rush up and down makes my little beautiful stall very dusty.

I have this stall right beside the road where there are dust every where, street dogs, cow dunks, trashes… I clean them everyday.  This place is holy for me. I pray every morning before I start my work.

I don’t have any dream. I am done with my life. I am able to support my whole families’ expenses. 

Now, I am left with only one job and that is, to help my daughter. That job is to help my daughter to build her dream. Once she is able to live her dream, then I will be very happy.

Vijay, Dharamshala.

Interview and Photo credit: Kunsang Tenzing.