“My customers may not recollect my name but I am sure they recognise me with my scream and even small kids in their homes imitate me by shouting ‘paaypareeyyyyy…..’ Well, I know it’s called ‘paper’ but screaming that way is my identity. If I don’t land at people’s doorstep to pick up old newspapers or the unused items, there will be a big heap of scrap in their homes. So they always call me to collect the scrap material, sometimes, a little longer than the anticipated time but they will surely call me.

I have been into this scrap selling business for more than 38 years now. I am a native of Krishna district and my family is into agriculture for livelihood. Our crop is completely dependent on rain but how can I survive only on that? So I opened this business here in Vijayawada when I was 24. I go on streets on my cycle to ask for the scrap every day. My memory stores away when a particular house could be ready with their pile of newspapers. So I know exactly when to ask them for the paper. Not only newspapers, I collect scrap of all sorts- note books, magazines, plastic, metals like old iron, cardboard, etc and send it for recycling. Few weeks ago, I picked up an old refrigerator someone wanted to get rid of. When we buy old appliances like refrigerators or coolers, we have to pull it apart — the iron, copper and plastic have to be sold separately. Sometimes I hurt my hand while doing that.

Now-a-days, people are extremely cautious of letting me into their home because of Covid-19 scare. It hurts but what can I do? I totally understand their fears and concerns. So I am sticking only to my regular customers, many of whom I have known now for the past few decades.

Yes, my business slowed down completely these days because of Covid-19 but I have no regrets. I consider this Corona period as a testing phase in everyones’ life and I am sure we will all pass this test soon. I have a wonderful family and my children are doing well in their lives too. They are there to support me when ever I need their help but thankfully, that day hasn’t come yet. I am a daredevil and I will fight in life until my body supports!”

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