Bhanjakia: Ajit Barik, who runs a small refreshments stall at Bhanjakia under Raruan block in Mayurbhanj district, believes in the adage “If there is a will, there is a way” so much that it inspired him to start this business when he was struggling to find a source of livelihood.
For the last 12 years, he has been running his shop successfully selling a variety of refreshments like tea, sweets, and fried items.
“Just a tea boiling kettle, some glass tumblers, an oven and some other necessary articles have been my assets. With these assets, I have been running my business and keeping my pot boiling,” Ajit added. He also observed that running business has its own share of setbacks, but he has not stepped back.
“With meagre earning, I have been striving to educate my daughter and run my family,” he said with a touch of confidence. His family consists of himself, his wife Arati and his only daughter who is in Class I.
Being industrious, Ajit leaves bed in the wee hours and goes to his shop early in the morning after completing his morning chores. He has a good number of customers in the area. Locals say, the tea, sweets and refreshments made by Ajit are tasty. Over 300 customers visit his shop for tea and snacks from early in the morning till 10 pm every day.
Ajit’s simplicity and polite demeanour have added to the success of his business. That’s why he is known as Ajit Bhai in the area.
PNN