As India grapples with unemployment which has dramatically increased amid the pandemic, and the Government has called out to citizens to be ‘Aatmanirbhar’ (self-sufficient) people have resorted to setting up startups and individual businesses across the country.
One such entrepreneur is 24-year-old girl Priyanka Gupta who couldn’t secure a good job despite completing her graduation in 2019. Yet her will to be financially independent did not let her give up. As a result, she came up with the idea of setting up her own tea stall named ‘Chaiwali’ outside Patna Women’s College in Bihar.
She took the decision after she failed to clear the bank competitive exams despite her hard work for two years.
“For the past two years, I have been trying continuously to clear the bank competitive exams but in vain. So, instead of going back home, I decided to set up my tea stall in Patna on a hand cart. I am not hesitant to set up my own tea stall in the city and I view this business as a step towards Atamnirbhar Bharat,” Priyanka told India Today.
Gupta holds a bachelor’s degree from Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, Varanasi. She started her tea stall on April 11.
“I did my UG in 2019 but was unable to get a job in the last 2 years. I took inspiration from Prafull Billore. There are many chaiwallas, why can’t there be a chaiwali?” said Gupta to ANI.
Chaiwali serves four innovative styles of tea, including Paan tea and chocolate tea.
“Initiative towards aatmanirbar bharat. Soch mat, chalu kar de bas [Don’t think about it, just begin],” reads the sign outside her stall.
Yet opening her tea stall wasn’t an easy task. She had to try real hard to get a loan. Finally, a friend of hers gave her Rs 30,000.
“After my friend helped me financially, I bought a tea stall and other materials for all Rs 12,500 and then started a tea shop near Patna Women’s College from April 11,” she shared.
Also, read: Two Women Breaking Stereotypes By Selling Tea On A Scooter
Chaiwali goes viral
The stall has gone viral and people are lauding her for her spirit while others pointed at the dearth of jobs and shaken economy.
“Way to go #chaiwalli! Put that Economics degree to good use! Bharat, the land of entrepreneurs! May the Gods & Goddesses bless you & your business,” lauded a Twitter user.
”This is the situation, no jobs, inflation, no proper food for people. But we are fighting on Hindu Muslim, main headlines on riots. Ham next 50 years mai Africa ban na hai ya America jaise ban na hai hamare upar depend karta hai,” irked another user.
Do visit her stall when in Patna.