Vikram, a roadside jhalmuri vendor from Bihar, came into national attention after he got an opportunity to serve jhalmuri to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an experience he describes as unforgettable.
Vikram’s life has long been marked by daily struggle, earning a living by setting up a small roadside stall each morning and supporting his family through the day’s income. His routine was disrupted when his stall was demolished during a road-widening exercise, leaving him without his primary source of income and facing financial uncertainty.
During this period of hardship, Vikram received assistance following the intervention of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, which enabled him to set up his stall again. This support allowed him to resume work and restore his means of livelihood.
Vikram states that meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and serving him jhalmuri was the most memorable moment of his life. He recalls that while offering the snack with his own hands, he found it difficult to believe the moment was real and considers it a result of both his effort and fortune.
Vikram continues to run his stall with the same routine. However, he notes that more people now recognise him, and the number of customers visiting his stall has increased. He maintains that his identity is defined by his work rather than a single event.
Local residents have acknowledged Vikram’s perseverance, stating that he did not give up during difficult circumstances and rebuilt his livelihood through continued effort.
