All in a day’s work

A peek into the lives of vendors both young and old at KR Market bus stand

SUSHEEL W KARKADA

Vijay Kumar R was doing his BA in Sahyadri College in Shimoga two years ago. Today, he sells samosas at the KR Market bus stand. “I had to discontinue my studies and come to Bangalore in
search of work two years ago,” he says. Vijay Kumar is not alone. The 20-30 vendors who make a living in KR Market bus stand have similar stories.
“I come here around 7.30 in the morning and stay till 10.30 at night,” he says. His best customers are women. “They buy more than men,” he says. As for problems, “There are no problems from drivers or conductors. I just have to give Rs 15 to three policemen here.” If you travel from City Market, it is hard to miss the number of vendors who enter buses to sell
you their wares.

Kahlil P has been working in KR market for the past five months. “In summer, I sell ice candy and in the cold season, I sell chips,” he says. The best time for business, says this enterprising
vendor, is after 4 pm when there are more women. His academic story is another sad one. “I wanted to complete my education, but due to family problems, I had to give it up,” he says. He makes about Rs 150 to 200 on a good day, which means a lot to his family’s tight kitty.
What is sold in KR market is limited only by what your money can buy. Chips, coffee, ice candy, peanuts, pins, locks, books, newspapers are among the many goodies on offer. What makes KR market attractive to vendors is the cost. “Mamool is less here. If we go to Majestic, we have to pay the cops about Rs 200 per day,” says S Hussein, who dropped out of school to earn money five months ago.
With so many vendors, is competition fierce? “No. I just take another bus when I see someone selling the same items,” says Hussein.
One can only imagine the kind of confusion it creates when vendors jump in and out of already crowded buses. BMTC bus driver Anil Kumar says, “Traffic jams are a bigger problem for us. These people work for their livelihood just like us. They don’t bother us.” Commuters feel the same way. Naveen J, a BMTC commuter says, “I don’t usually buy food from them. But if it is a long journey, then I buy some popcorn.”
Almost all the young vendors said they would not want to be doing this work for more than a year, whereas the older vendors were more than happy with their work.