Seen here is Bendangwangshi transports a commuter in Dimapur.
A lone Naga rickshaw-puller sets example for local youths
Peter Chachei
Dimapur | April 1
The profession of Rickshaw-pulling is considered one of the cheapest forms of transportation and, economically in the eyes of a people who are conscious of high social status, it is one of the poorest, and the pullers are often looked down upon. In fact, it is an accepted notion that the profession is associated with those only “illegal immigrants and non-locals” take up.
But this story of a lone Naga rickshaw-puller among the multitude of pullers in Dimapur has a different story to tell: it not only speaks volumes of his courage in taking up a profession so looked down upon but also of his choice to earn his livelihood without having to be ashamed of it.
Bendangwangshi, who hails from Sangratsü village under Mokokchung district, has been engaged in the profession of pulling rickshaws since the past month. This profession he chose was not only non-polluting, cheap and efficient mode of public transport in the commercial hub of the state but also to him, an effective testimony to be used to justify and promote ‘Dignity of labor’.
“I took up this profession not only to earn a living for myself but due to my interest in pulling rickshaws around the city” says Bendangwangshi. “I will be cycling around until I can get myself enrolled in the Indian military services” continues the 18 year old lad while sharing his dreams of a life in the military.
The young Ao-Naga boy expressed satisfaction at his earning from pulling rickshaws. “I earn in an average around 100 rupees a day and pay as rent an amount of Rs. 10 to the Rickshaw owner unlike the other pullers who usually pay Rs. 20- 25 to the owner of the rickshaws” says the boy who has already completed his elementary education.
“The encouragements that I get from the people who ride in my rickshaw push me on. Even after a weary and tiresome day of pulling through the heat and dust their encouragement opens for me a new chapter every-day” acknowledged Bendangwangshi who is presently residing with his grandfather at Burma Camp in Dimapur.
The Sangratsü youngster who came down to Dimapur leaving behind five younger brothers and sisters and parents in Mokokchung town wants to set an example for the present unemployed youths, who according to him, should be exploring other forms of livelihood instead of just pursuing specific jobs, namely government jobs. “The more we keep ourselves unutilized and not engaged in any thing the more it leads us to wrongdoings and if we keep ourselves busy then there is less chance in moving towards the wrong path” the aspirant-army man told The Morung Express during a short ride around the city. He conveyed to the millennium Naga youth the message that no job is cheap enough to earn one’s own livelihood or daily bread. Bendangwangshi encouraged youngsters to adopt any kind of job that the present world is offering rather than to choose the anti-social path.
Morung Express News
