A year ago, I was casually roaming in CR Park Market in Delhi, with a camera in my hand doing photography. Suddenly a person working on a sewing machine stopped me. He asked me if I can stop for a while and listen to his story. I was a little confused at once but later said yes!
He told me that his name is Debasis, and he is a tailor in CR Park.
He told me that he used to have a tailoring shop of his own there, 20 years ago. Later during the redevelopment of the market his shop along with many others was demolished. They were promised a shop after redevelopment but he found his name missing in the government survey.
He tried to pursue different bodies for the issue but never succeeded. Later he also met with an unfortunate accident that took his one eye also damaged his leg.
Now he sits on the footpath near the place where he used to have his shop. His story moved me. He stopped me with a belief that I am a media person and somehow can help him regain his lost dream. He fought long battles but did not get success in his fight of getting back his shop. I do not know the authenticity of his claim over the property, but what I know is that many a time many dreams are shattered in this manner.
I was silent for a while and then told him that I am a small storyteller and will tell his story in some medium where I can. Maybe somehow something can work for him. He smiled and offered me a glass of water. I sat there quietly for some time and drank some water.
I realized that even after going through this many unfortunate series of events, Debasis Ji is still sitting there and working. He is still fighting his daily battles. Even though he does not have his dream shop, he has taken the roadside footpath to continue his work.
The photo that he carries daily in the small polythene reminds him of his past and also somehow gives him hope for a future when he will have his shop.
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