Award-Winning Delhi Chai Seller has Written 25 Books | Laxman Rao: Tea Seller & An Author | The Struggle Is Real | लक्ष्मण राव : चाय बेचने वाले और एक लेखक
LAXMAN
RAO: TEA SELLER AND AN AUTHOR
What a great inspiration! We have already known the story of Chaiwala,
who used to sell tea in Gujarat is now the current Prime Minister of India.
Today we going to acknowledge another real-life story of Chaiwala,
who sells tea in Delhi is also an Author.
The Path towards Success
Laxman Rao, 69, is an Indian writer and a
tea seller. At the age of 23, he moved to Delhi with just Rs 40 in his pocket
to pursue his dream of becoming a writer. He worked as a construction worker, washed
dishes at a restaurant, and later opened a shop selling paan, beedi, and
cigarettes just a few yards away from his current tea stall.
After a few years, he moved on to selling tea, which was more
profitable.
Mr. Rao has a Bachelor's degree in Hindi and has taken a Master's
exam through distance learning. He worked hard to get his books published, but
all of his meetings with publishers failed because he was told, "Get out,
a Chaiwala cannot
write."
However, he managed to save enough money to self-publish his first
novel in 1979.
Mr. Rao's novels, political essays, and plays are inspired by
turbulent lives, the struggle to rise above extreme poverty, and everyday pleasures.
Recognition
A senior Congress party member discussed Mr. Rao's books with
then-prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. Within a few days, he received an
invitation to meet her in Rashtrapati Bhawan and present his books. She admired
his work and encouraged him to write more.
The tea-selling author has received numerous honors, also from
former President Pratibha Patil.
Rao is also known in Europe, where articles are written about him,
For example, in Germany.
Sales Platform
Mr. Rao now sells his books through online platforms such as
Amazon and Flipkart. He is the author of over 25 novels,
plays, and political essays.
Acknowledging his humble beginnings, Laxman states that it was his
tea shop that gave him a “good life”, so he will aim to sell tea till whatever
age he can.
References
