Man in a woman’s world

One man alone in a crowd of around 50 or more women is a site one seldom comes across. However, in the women’s compartment of a Mumbai local, a man selling his wares is a daily occurrence — a  source of income for many others like Ramvijay Jadhav. What makes visually impaired Ramvijay, an ex-athlete, different from the others in the race for survival is his passion. He reminisces, “I actively participated in sports during my years in school. After getting selected for the tournament in South Korea while in college, I spent my final year practicing and arranging money, around more than a lakh, for the tournament. Since the government hadn’t spent a single rupee back then, I had to look for sponsorships.” Ramvijay performed in running, long jump, javelin throw, discus throw and arm wrestling.

In every story, Ramvijay has a new story to tell, “My wife and children are currently living in Ner tehsil (interiors of Maharashtra). I’ve asked my wife to use her time and vision to look after our children and their studies and leave the rest to me. So I provide for them from whatever I earn in Mumbai,” he said. He conducts business with a 25 per cent margin but his earnings are too meagre to make ends meet. How does he make sure that the customers don’t dupe him, we ask. “The Rs 500 note is smaller than Rs 100 note, so with the note’s size and thickness I can determine if the customer has paid the right amount for what they’ve bought,” he explains.  His story is nothing short of an example; he also leads the Amravati Unit of the National Federation of the Blind as general secretary. Hailing from an economically weak section himself, Ramvijay proudly says that the federation’s aim is not to donate but to empower the blind with skills and ensure they don’t run out of the source of earning. As we climb the stairs to head to platform no. 5 at Borivali station, ignorant commuters warn him to watch his way as he walks. “I am used to it now. There are people who help too. Besides, I had spent a few years here, so I am not really a stranger to Mumbai’s ways,” he concludes, walking away with a smile.