15-year-old cobbler's business spikes after violence in Capital

New Delhi: The north-east riots in the national Capital uprooted many families and shattered many homes. It has left many adults traumatised, who fear returning home even now, but that has not been the case with a 15-year-old Vikram Singh.

Vikram works as a cobbler in Old Mustafabad but when the riots broke out he was in his house in Bhagirathi Vihar – close to Mustafabad – alone at home, while his family had left for their village in UP. His family consists of his parents and a younger brother who goes to school, but he has to support his family.

On a regular day, Vikram opens his shop at 8 am and packs up his paraphernalia by 7 pm and heads home – a short walk away. Once peace descended the vicinity and people were seen on roads hustling to get ration Vikram decided to set up his shoe-cobbler equipment at his spot under a street light.

He said, "Initially business was low but now it is doing very well. Before riots started I use to earn 200-300 per day but now I earn 500 minimum per day."

Vikram goes on to narrate the reason, "many people broke their shoes and slippers and now they bring it for repair, they don't bargain as much as they use to. I have picked up slippers form the road too and repaired it and sold it. It is a good time for my work."

Alone at home he did feel scared when gun shots were fired, but his neighbours asked him not to step out. He said, "I wanted to go out and see what was happening but I was too frightened. Now everything is fine plus, I am earning more so I am very happy. Sometimes I charge more because I know there is no other cobbler around here now so they have to get repair done from me only."