Salman Syyed’s story is a story that tells us that whatever the hardships, hard work, honesty, kindness and love will always ensure good things will happen to good people. From selling books at traffic signals in Mumbai, Salman today is studying at the Houston Community College in Texas.
This is his story.
Salman, grew up on the footpaths of Mumbai. His mother, a ragpicker, tried to make ends meet. “On some days, she would have money, but on others, it was tough,” Salman is heard saying in a video that was shared on Teacher’s Day this year, produced by Voice of Ram.
Eventually, Salman had to drop out of school in Class II and help earn money. “I eventually graduated being a ragpicker to selling books on footpaths,” he is heard saying in the video. “During that period, I taught myself to read and write.”
While speaking to DNA from Houston, he joked that there were some books I liked more than others because I sold them more. A fan of Khaled Hossaini’s writings today, Salman says he was a fan of the Kite Runner. “Back then, I would read the books to know, read and write some English words,” he said.
Ram Subramanian, the head at Voice of Ram told DNA that he got a chance to speak to Salman while he was selling books at Haji Ali footpath. “We spent some time together and I was amazed at how he was able to perceive individuals. His observation skills are quite brilliant,” said Ram.
“Salman was spotted by Caroline, a teacher with the NGO Akanksha, who encouraged him to go back to school. He passed his Class X and XII with flying colours and then studied sociology at KC College in Mumbai. To pay for his education, Salman worked as a tour guide in the city,” Ram added.
Salman’s sense of righteousness has inspired Ram. “Normally, when a tour guide shows people around, they take them to a store where they have an understanding. It wasn’t the case with Salman. He did not mind that he wasn’t making an extra buck, as long as the tourist enjoyed the experience. Also, given his childhood, his interpretation of the city was quite remarkable,” he said.
Salman attributes his success to Caroline Didi. “She was my guardian angel, who ensured that I studied and then helped me go abroad. I visited New York and it was an amazing experience,” said Salman in the video.
The video was shot before Salman went to Houston Community College where he is studying entrepreneurship. “I have dreams of starting my own tour company. I will start in Mumbai, branch out throughout India, and then go global,” he said.
Watch his story here
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 "Salman Syyed in Mumbai")
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