A struggling face on the canvas of life is an indomitable struggle to survive.

A busy intersection on the side of the road. Amidst the constant rush of people, the noise of mechanical life, an old man sits still. Wearing a simple lungi and shirt, a white cap on his head, and a white beard hanging over his chin, it is like a living textbook of experience. In front of him, paan, spices and some raw materials are arranged on a small piece of land. His fight for survival is going on by arranging this small plot.

Looking into the eyes of this man seen in the picture, one can find many untold stories of life. Even though his body is bowed down by the weight of age, his mind still has an indomitable vigor. At this age, when he is supposed to spend his time in comfort and ease, he is sitting on the side of the road with the sun and rain on his head, hoping to earn a little. For him, selling paan is not just a profession, it is a means of living honorably. The example he has set of providing food through his own labor without relying on anyone's kindness is truly instructive for all of us.

Life is very strange. For some, life means reaching the destination quickly in an expensive car, while for others, life means the daily struggle to provide food. This is how this old man spends every day, perhaps preparing before the dawn, then maintaining his small shop in the dust and crowds of people on the streets all day. When evening rolls around and night falls, when the city goes to sleep, perhaps his tireless hands get tired a little.

There are many struggling people around us, whom we may not notice. They are an integral part of our city. Some may avoid them, some may look at them with curiosity, and some may help them by buying them a paan in a very simple way. But the real thing is respect. Showing respect for the work of these people should be our great identity.

While we spend hundreds of taka on a cup of coffee at an expensive restaurant, the income of this man on the side of the road may be very small in exchange for his whole day's hard work. Yet, the tired but simple smile on his face teaches us that the true meaning of life is not in luxury, but in this indomitable struggle for survival. Each layer of human life reminds us how precious every breath is. The story of this old man's survival as a paan seller may remain hidden from public view, but his indomitable stubbornness will teach us that struggle is life, and honesty is the best way to survive.

Posted Using INLEO