Barang: Deepak Nayak aka Dipu had made up his mind about what he wanted to do with his life quite early– while he was pursuing his intermediate degree, to be precise.
As people today trod in assorted footwear purchased from his outlet at Barang College Square or lick their fingers and wish for more after having biriyani and rolls from his fast-food stall at Trishulia market, Dipu has not had the time nor felt the need to regret his decision.
“I had a desire to become self-sufficient when I was doing my intermediate degree. The financial condition of my family had also prompted me to do something to earn money,” said the 26-year-old youth from Madhupur.
In the time since, he has had his fill of seeing contemporaries run after jobs, be it in the private sector or in government without much luck.
The fast-food stall came first, about seven-eight years ago, before he ventured into the footwear business three years later. He has provided part-time employment opportunities to five youths at his fast-food stall.
Dipu’s fast-food stall has become popular among people from all walks of life in Barang and Trishulia areas. Many people from nearby villages also make a beeline for it to gorge on the biriyani, roll and chow mein.
“Quality ingredients, tasty preparation and affordable prices usually attract people to my stall. The biriyani prepared by me is the most sought after at my stall,” claimed Dipu who has been managing a five-member family from his earnings from the food stall and footwear shop.
The young entrepreneur-cum-chef is an early riser by habit. He usually opens his footwear shop at 8 am every day. “I never forget to go for a morning walk, offer prayers to the almighty and read newspapers before leaving my house for the footwear shop. Soon after lunch, I get ready to start preparing food at my stall,” Dipu said.
Customers start gathering at his stall at around 4 pm and they can order for food till 10 pm. “I return home around midnight after closing my stall. On an average, foodstuff worth Rs 5,000 is sold at my stall every day. Around Rs 1,000 is left with me after meeting the costs for ingredients and workers’ pay. I think one can manage his family properly by doing own business,” Dipu said.
PNN