Post News Network
Rayagada, Oct 3: Even as there are scores of beggars in this town, Praseswar Majhi is not a face in the crowd. He is different from others in his league. People often talk about him for his terrific news sense and passion for current affairs.
Though Praseswar, 48, begs alms for his survival, he keeps people updated every morning on the street about national and international events with his fluent Hindi, English and Oriya. He buys at least three newspapers a day and alerts commuters about prominent headlines in three languages. People even stop over to discuss with him about interesting topics he picks up from the dailies. This has made him a popular face in the town.
According to reports, the obsessive newsman hails from Duajhar village under Rajkhariar police limits in Nuapada district. Praseswar completed his matriculation from Gopabandhu High School in Khariar Road in 1990 and went on to complete intermediate.
He joined as a security person in Rajkumar College in Raipur of Madhya Pradesh after he was deserted by his wife and daughter. After working there for about 20 years, he lost interest in work and came back to Orissa.
He finally settled for begging in Rayagada. At present Praseswar begs alms at Sai Temple near Koraput Chhak and often goes starving when he fails to get something to eat.
Nobody has seen him feeling desperate for money, other beggars who sit near the temple said.
When asked about the reason for him to take to a profession like beggary after working as a security man for 20 years in an MP-based college, the ardent news enthusiast said he didn’t want to remain alive after his wife and daughter left him in lurch. After coming to Rayagada, he didn’t find any other calling except begging, Praseswar said with tears in his eyes.
He makes people aware of day-to-day happenings across the globe including local news. His ability and interest to read three languages makes him grasp things. Besides, he loves to share information only with those who cannot afford a newspaper, Praseswar said with no repentance for his passion.
He would consider himself a successful person if he can continue to make people aware of the current world till his last breath, Praseswar says with a hint of emotion.