Keonjhar: Safety of bikers and drivers of vehicles has been a concern of Anadi Charan Pradhan, who sells tea at Sponge Chhak in Keonjhar.
His tea stall business policy has been linked to safety of bikers – no helmet, no tea. This means, if a customer/biker comes to him to have a cuppa without helmet, he will not be served tea.
Pradhan is not concerned about his daily business being hampered by this principle.
He launched this campaign two years ago and now is stressing it more after the amended Motor Vehicles Act was implemented.
Pradhan, a resident of Sarasakola under Sadar block, said, “I don’t give tea to bikers coming here without wearing helmet. On denial of tea, they will at least should realize the fact that how life is dangerous on roads without a helmet.”
Safety conscious people praise Pradhan for linking this policy with business to raise awareness among people. They see his campaign as nothing but social work which may cost dear to his small business. He is quite clear about what he is doing: A notice outside his shop says it all.
The 49-year-old, a bachelor by choice, does various social activities in the area. Significantly, he sets aside Rs 20 from his daily earning for Red Cross. After saving money for four months, he deposits it at the administration.
Moreover, if a needy person or beggar comes to his shop, he offers tea and biscuits free of cost. He also provides warm water to patients at hospital and even helps the injured people in accidents to take to local hospital.
He is also known for blood donation camp he organises and a life member of Indian Red Cross.
By his noble work, he has earned laurels from various outfits. For his social and generous work, Collector JN Pankaj honoured him on January 26, 2019.
PNN