Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, June 24: Despite losing a leg in childhood, Manickam never gave up on life or his dreams. Today, he earns a living by selling bondas and repairing slippers and umbrellas near the State Bank area in Mangaluru — a far cry from his earlier days of begging on the streets.

Originally from Salem in Tamil Nadu, Manickam has been living in Mangaluru for the past 35 years. He once resorted to begging after arriving in the city, but turned his life around after a stay at a government-run shelter, where he was motivated to become self-reliant.

“I used to beg when I came to Mangaluru 35 years ago. But after being taken to a shelter when the government enforced the anti-begging law, I decided to work and live with dignity,” he recalls.

With no government support due to lack of local documentation, Manickam never received any disability benefits or housing schemes. “I had once applied in Tamil Nadu, but nothing came of it. All my documents are linked to my address in Salem, which made it difficult to apply for anything in Karnataka,” he says.

Undeterred, Manickam saved up enough money from his small business to purchase a scooter, which helps him commute from his home in Hoige Bazar to his regular vending spot near State Bank. Every day, from 8 am to 8 pm, he diligently works to support himself.

He began by repairing slippers and umbrellas. Gradually, he expanded his business to selling bondas and ice apples. While summer brings better earnings due to high demand for these items, business slows during the monsoon season.

'Mangaluru people are kind-hearted'

“People of Mangaluru are generous and kind. No one has ever harassed me for my work. I feel more at home here than in my native place. The people of Kudla gave me a chance to live with dignity,” says Manickam, proudly calling himself a self-reliant trader despite his disability.

His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the welcoming spirit of Mangaluru.