Faces of India – 304 from Kurseong, West Bengal

Faces of India

a series through which I intend to portray the various characters of my country whom I met during my travels. I bring back souvenirs, frozen moments from my travels, why not some memories of people I have met and interacted during the travels. Faces of India is a weekly series in my blog since MARCH 2011. See more here…

This young man of 25 was our car driver in Kurseong. We had a brief conversation.

Me: For how long are you driving?
He: For last 7 years…
Me: Are you studying anything else or do you intend to do only driving?
He: I am 12th grade drop out… I don’t think I can study. I will do this driving work.
Me: Why don’t you study a little more and become tourist guide of Kurseong? It will improve your earnings too.
He: I don’t know, I never thought of it.
Me: You must. Since you grew up in Kurseong, you know the place well, you will make an excellent local guide. Add to that your driving skills, you will be lot in demand.

He just looked at me wide eyed not believing a word I said. I was at a loss what to say further, I hope I have sowed a seed of aspiration in him which he will pursue.