Meet Patna’s ‘Berozgar Chaiwala’, serving tea with social message | Patna News – Times of India
PATNA: Sahil Kumar, a college graduate from Patna, has turned his frustration over unemployment into a unique tea-selling business named ‘Berozgar Chaiwala‘. Along with his brother Suraj Kumar, he aims to convey a social message rather than just serving the popular beverage. Suraj humorously refers to their venture as a “start-up” and highlights the irony of the situation as campaign vehicles pass by their pushcart, blaring promises of job opportunities.
“The candidates, while campaigning in the streets, make tall promises. But they back out when they are in a position to do something for the students,” Suraj, 24, told PTI.
Despite their educational qualifications and efforts, the brothers faced obstacles in securing suitable employment or adequate salaries. Sahil, who holds a BCom degree, narrowly missed qualifying for competitive exams. Determined to showcase the reality of joblessness despite education, they established the ‘Berogzar Chaiwala’ tea stall.
The name, chosen by Sahil out of frustration and anger, initially drew skepticism from their neighborhood. However, he remained resolute in conveying his message to society. The brothers’ story is not an isolated case in Patna, but few possess the courage to employ self-deprecating humor.
A poster on the mobile tea-stall poetically praises tea consumption, stating, “Ye chai ki mohabbat tum kya jaano, har ek ghoont mein heen nasha hai” (What will you know of the love for tea, there is intoxication in every sip). The business tagline reads, “Fikr mat kar, chai try kar” (Do not worry, try tea). The poster also displays two rates for tea: Rs 15 for the employed (Rozgar rate) and Rs 10 for the jobless (Berozgar rate).
In the evenings, people gather around the stall, sipping hot tea and engaging in conversations, occasionally discussing the elections. Suraj and Sahil’s childhood friends often visit to offer moral support and ensure they pay for their tea.
When asked about the most significant issue for youth in this election, Suraj emphasized the need for student empowerment and job opportunities, urging the government to support hardworking individuals.
The brothers have registered their venture under a government scheme, hoping to receive future assistance. Patna, with its two parliamentary constituencies, Patna Sahib and Pataliputra, has sitting MPs from the ruling BJP. The elections for these seats will take place on June 1, marking the final round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Education, health, and employment remain primary concerns for Patna’s young electorate, many of whom migrate to larger cities in search of better prospects.
“The candidates, while campaigning in the streets, make tall promises. But they back out when they are in a position to do something for the students,” Suraj, 24, told PTI.
Despite their educational qualifications and efforts, the brothers faced obstacles in securing suitable employment or adequate salaries. Sahil, who holds a BCom degree, narrowly missed qualifying for competitive exams. Determined to showcase the reality of joblessness despite education, they established the ‘Berogzar Chaiwala’ tea stall.
The name, chosen by Sahil out of frustration and anger, initially drew skepticism from their neighborhood. However, he remained resolute in conveying his message to society. The brothers’ story is not an isolated case in Patna, but few possess the courage to employ self-deprecating humor.
A poster on the mobile tea-stall poetically praises tea consumption, stating, “Ye chai ki mohabbat tum kya jaano, har ek ghoont mein heen nasha hai” (What will you know of the love for tea, there is intoxication in every sip). The business tagline reads, “Fikr mat kar, chai try kar” (Do not worry, try tea). The poster also displays two rates for tea: Rs 15 for the employed (Rozgar rate) and Rs 10 for the jobless (Berozgar rate).
In the evenings, people gather around the stall, sipping hot tea and engaging in conversations, occasionally discussing the elections. Suraj and Sahil’s childhood friends often visit to offer moral support and ensure they pay for their tea.
When asked about the most significant issue for youth in this election, Suraj emphasized the need for student empowerment and job opportunities, urging the government to support hardworking individuals.
The brothers have registered their venture under a government scheme, hoping to receive future assistance. Patna, with its two parliamentary constituencies, Patna Sahib and Pataliputra, has sitting MPs from the ruling BJP. The elections for these seats will take place on June 1, marking the final round of the seven-phase Lok Sabha elections. Education, health, and employment remain primary concerns for Patna’s young electorate, many of whom migrate to larger cities in search of better prospects.
