Bangalore/Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley Of India.
This is where I stay (at least for now)
This is the story of my cook, a man whose life shows struggle, hope, and perseverance in ways that make me deeply think about my own privileges, at times.
Every morning at 6 a.m., he begins his day, by running between eight houses across Bangalore. His hands work tirelessly, crafting meals that fill stomachs and hearts ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ In return, he earns ₹50,000 (~600 USD) a month — a modest sum by urban standards but significant for his family back in the village. He sends ₹35,000 home every month, leaving himself with just enough to survive in the city.
His dream? To build a house in his village — a place where his family can finally find stability and peace.
The Weight of Responsibility: The weight he carries isn’t just financial. He supports an extended family and shoulders the pressure of building a future for them. I’ve noticed he drinks, something that concerns me. But who wouldn’t seek escape under the pressure of providing for a family while navigating a relentless urban life? His drinking isn’t a sign of weakness, but a response to the overwhelming stress and responsibility that never seem to ease.
A Tax-Free Life of Necessity: His story is one of adaptation to a system that neither fully includes him nor acknowledges his efforts. Without a PAN card, he operates in a cash-driven world, sidestepping the tax system. To many, this might seem dubious, but for him, it’s survival. He doesn’t evade taxes to cheat; he does so because the complexity of formal systems often alienates people like him — those who live on the fringes of urban society.
Technology and Illiteracy: A Double Barrier? While Bangalore buzzes with tech innovations, our cook remains disconnected. His world operates through a keypad phone. Reminds me of that digital divide in India. He can’t read or write, making even simple tasks that require literacy monumental challenges. Yet, he navigates his life with remarkable efficiency, relying on memory, intuition, and relationships.
The Secret Hustle: Recently, I discovered something about him that I’ve chosen to keep to myself. On a few occasions, he fakes illness to take leave, not for rest but for something bigger. Weddings, birthdays, and other large celebrations in Bangalore offer him opportunities for additional income. He cooks for hundreds on these days, making enough to cover unexpected expenses or speed up the construction of his house. I don’t confront him about this. In fact, I respect it. His life is a balancing act between obligations and aspirations, and who am I to judge his hustle?
My imaginary girlfriend keeps saying,
You know, sometimes it takes seeing someone’s struggle to really appreciate what we have
In a city as fast-paced as Bangalore, it’s easy to overlook the human stories that unfold around us every day. But once you take a moment to listen, you’ll find tales of resilience that inspire humility.
And as I sit down to eat the food he prepares, I’m reminded that every meal carries more than just flavor — it carries a legacy of perseverance.
In case we are meeting for the first time, come over here, it’ll be worth the roller coaster of articles that are gonna come up in the next few weeks.
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