East Burdwan Nurai Sheikh, a resident of Kaithon village, is still earning his livelihood by driving a horse cart. In the era of modern vehicles like totos and autos, Nurai has not abandoned his old profession. This has remained an important part of his life for almost 40 years. A few decades ago, horse carts were the main means of rural transportation. Especially the elite families of the village used to travel in these vehicles. But times changed, technological progress took place and horse carriages started disappearing from the roads. Despite this, Nurai Shaikh refused to leave his car.
sole source of livelihood
Nurai Shaikh tells that he married both his daughters by driving a horse cart. Even today he earns 300 to 400 taka daily from this and manages the family expenses. However, he says that in front of modern vehicles, the demand for his car is not the same as before, but it is the only source of income for him.
Struggle for life with horse cart
Nurai Shaikh’s horse still runs on the Katwa-Kadu road in East Burdwan. His vehicle carries ration, grass and other heavy goods from grocery stores. He transports hay from the village to the city and sells it, the income from which feeds the horse and meets the family’s expenses.
Maintaining old tradition amid modernity
Nurai Sheikh said, “I have been associated with this profession for 40 years. Earlier I used to bring horses from Dhulian. Now all vehicles have become cars, but I cannot drive that car.” His life has changed with time and age, but his profession has not. Even in the era of technology and modernity, Nurai Shaikh is still connected to his old profession. While new means of transport have taken their place, Nurai with his horse and cart is maintaining the identity of the old among the new. This journey of his, despite the difficulties, is an example of his vitality.
Tags: Awesome Awesome, Local18, Special Project, west bengal
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 19, 2024, 21:24 IST
