Faces of India – 347, from Dharamshala Himachal

Faces of India from Dharamshala Himachal

Faces of India is 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…

A cheerful guy, he was the expert driver who took us around the various sightseeing sites around Dharamshala in district of Kangra. He very willingly engaged in to a conversation with me and one question led to other starting from – “Do you enjoy driving?”

He takes up work as it comes by, because he has his own little businesses to look after. Since Hyatt pays him well he happily takes up the job of taking tourists around. He knows each and every lane of Kangra and can efficiently maneuver through the narrow slope roads of the mountainous terrain.

And what are his other businesses? He has his own home stays which suits very well to the budget travellers. Often the travellers are guests for just the night, so it is very easy to take care of the facilities and amenities required. Occasionally some travellers ask for breakfast and he is able to look after that need too.

That is impressive, I praised him. Aren’t you looking forward to expand this business. His constraints are the limits to the property he holds now. Unless he expands his basic infrastructure there are no chances to expand the business.

And how far have you studied? – I asked.

I managed to clear my 12 grade exams – he smiled and said.

Looks like he acquired the basic skills of running a successful business and seems content with it. He has toured some places in India and Goa is his favorite.

Himachal Pradesh is among the leading States in the country in terms of literacy.  All the districts except Chamba have a higher literacy percentage as compared to the all-India average. And Himachal being a tourism hot spot, youth seemed more inclined to take up tourism oriented work.