It’s truly heartwarming to witness the nation come together to help local street vendors amid this harrowing pandemic. A simple gesture of sipping a cup of chai, or devouring a plate of biryani from the local vendors in your area, goes a long way. Recently, the heartbreaking stories of Delhi’s Baba Da Dhaba and Kerala’s Parvathy Amma took the internet by storm. People from all across the country shared their videos and even visited their stall to savour their warm, cosy dishes. And now, an 86-year-old Bhel Puri vendor from Faridabad needs your attention and love. Chhanga Lal Baba sells Bhel Puri in his Chalta Phirta Channa Bhel Puri Shop in the vicinity. He lost his wife and young son years back. His older son is paralysed. Chhanga Lal Baba sells Bhel Puri with the help of his daughter-in-law to make a living. Do read this heartwarming story to find out more about his life.
Chhanga Lal Baba, A Bhel Puri Vendor In Faridabad Appeals People To Visit His Cart
If there’s one street food dish that’s healthy yet super tasty, its got to be Bhel Puri. And if it’s made with the able hands and experience of Faridabad’s Chhanga Lal Baba, then it’s all the more heavenly. Chhanga Lal Baba, a well-known name in his area thanks to his Chalta Firta Chana Bhelpuri Shop won the hearts of his customers. The 86-year-old man lost his wife and younger son. Unfortunately, his older son is paralysed. The pandemic has left this Bhel-Puri vendor struggling to make a living and support his family.
Vishal Chaubey shared a video of Chhanga Lal Baba on October 11 on Facebook. His post reads “I met (Changga baba) Age 86 years old, he is working hard to survive life. Changga Baba’s wife is also not with him. Young son died and One son is paralyzed, baba lives for his family. Seriously Those who are around us also need our help and please if you can do something for baba so please visit changga baba chalta firta chana bhelpuri shop.” Vishal appealed people to support vendors in their own areas rather than only helping those that go viral. He also drew attention to Baba’s chapped dry hands due to hours of toiling. And even offered to bring the old man, a bottle of cream.
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86-Year-Old Bhel Puri Vendor Needs Help To Feed His Family & Make A Living Amid This Pandemic
Even at the age of 86, Chhanga Lal wakes up early in the morning and pushes his cart till late evening to sell his Bhel Puri. His chapped dry hands due to hours of toiling don’t seem to deter his spirits. His Bhel Puri costs only ₹5 for a plate. So you can imagine how difficult it must be for him to make a living. He continues to step out of his home and sell Bhel Puri every day despite the risk of COVID-19 on senior citizens. His daughter-in-law helps him. She works as a domestic help to meet family expenditure.
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Chhanga Lal informed India Times that their combined income only comes up to ₹6000. With this amount, he must pay for his grandchildren’s expenses, son’s medicines etc. The family lives in a rented house for ₹1200 per month. The pandemic added to their challenges and struggles. Despite all these challenges, Chhanga Lal Baba remains hopeful of overcoming all the hardship. So, let’s create more awareness about this lovely Bhel Puri wala. Folks at Faridabad, do visit his cart and show some love and support. We can surely bring a huge smile on Baba’s face. Apart from Baba, Delhi street food vendors also shared their plight with us during this pandemic.
First Published: October 15, 2020 11:39 AM