CHENNAI: Newspapers, advertising boards and jobs portals cry hoarse declaring part-time jobs for students. But how many students are eager to take to the streets and start a business of their own, while still attending their daily classes and racking the numbers in colleges? Not many? Right! But S Sagar Mandal, a second year BCA student in Pachaiyappa’s College, chose to follow his heart and has been selling pani puri on Anna Nagar, 9th Main Road, for about a year now. “Many people told me to join a call centre or do other part-time jobs sitting in AC rooms,” says Sagar. “But I didn’t want to be ordered around and wanted to run a business of my own. The money I earn goes into supporting my family and paying my college fees,” he explains. Sagar attends classes from 9am to 1pm, and then sells pani puri from 4pm to 10pm at the premises of the Fish N Fresh retail outlet. How does he manage to find time for his studies? “I pay attention during class in college and that is enough for me to get good marks,” he explains. Sagar managed to get 72 per cent in his first year in college, and is working hard to do well in Math, the subject he is weak in, he admits. What were the reactions of his family members and friends when they learned about his part-time job? “My family members were very supportive. My mother makes all the basic ingredients for the pani puri,” he says. “None of my college mates have ever taunted me. Besides, my girl friend knows this and supports me wholeheartedly. She says, ‘Any business is good, as long as it is honest’,” says Sagar proudly. So, what’s next? “I want to complete my studies. If I get a good job, I’ll take it up. If not, I’ll run a business. I dream of running an ice-cream parlour,” says the dreamy-eyed boy. [email protected]
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