I live in Mumbai and travel on work. I was recently had two interesting conversations with drivers of hired cars both employed with the same agency – one in Kolkatta and one in Mumbai.
The Mumbai driver proudly told us how he now owned the Chevrolet – he had bought it from the agency and had leased it back. He talked of his plans of buying another car in a year from his earnings and perhaps setting up his own business. Two other drivers from the same agency had also bought their cars and had leased it back. Happy entreprenuers !
On a trip to Kolkatta I was picked up by a car from the same agency. I naturally asked the driver whether he owned the car. He almost lost control of the steering wheel and looked at me amazed as if I was an idiot asking the most ridiculous question. His response – “How can a driver own a car ? That isn’t even possible. “
Two people. Same employer. Two ends of India. One confident.One trapped. It was a similar sentiment across Kolkatta. The poor / service class had decided that they couldnt change their life . What makes people so different in the same country ? Is it the general fabric of a city that changes people or is the culture of the community that one comes from that writes ambition and progress into your genes ? Look forward to comments !
I have done this too across chennai auto drivers time and again when i get to pick up a conversation.The query in my mind has been how long this gentleman has been in the same line of business resigned to his fate.Most of them have tried some small business and come from really diverse background ,from being a tailor to trying out part time business like selling milk,the ones who have failed are stuck for years.There are quite a few who have managed to own the asset and create more assets largely due to financial discipline and a greater purpose.As for the masses its more to do with trying again,after a couple of ventures that don’t take off the motivation to try again ceases.
the culture of the community matters a lot. People in East India, places like WB, Orissa etc are generally risk averse.