Khunta: Hair cutting is a traditional occupation for many in rural pockets of Odisha. Now, villages are missing the sight of barbers moving about in village streets with a box in one hand containing razors and scissors and serving their clients. Over years, the age-old occupation has given way to what’s called hairdressing, mostly done in shops.
Despite this change, 84-year-old Gangadhar Barik, a resident of Jatrughera under Gopabandhunagar block of Mayurbhanj district, has not given up this traditional occupation. He ekes out his living from it. Still active at this age, he keeps moving in villages with a shaving kit containing razors, scissors, a cup, water bottle, soap and combs.
Barik can be seen serving people along road, verandas or streets, cutting hair or shaving. “I earn anything between Rs 50 and Rs 100 daily. Besides, I get old age pension and subsidized rice from the government. The family is managed by these earnings,” said Barik.
Recalling his early days, the barber said, “When I was 13, I started learning hairdressing and shaving from my father. After death of my father, I took up the family responsibility. Then I married and eked out my living from hairdressing,” he said.
“I have three sons and a daughter. With this meagre earning, I have managed to make my sons self-sufficient and my daughter was married off,” he said.
From morning to evening, he attends to his clients’ needs. Young people lovingly call him Gangu Kaka. “Due to adverse situation, public service-oriented occupations in rural pockets are vanishing. Many people have switched over to new occupations. Another thing is that, hairdressing shops and salons with AC have mushroomed,” he said.
“I still enjoy doing this traditional way of hairdressing with dedication. This occupation connects me with people,” he said.
PNN
