From the Author
“Every journey to the city begins with hope—but success depends on persistence and learning.”
Stories from the Field | By Manjunath Krishna
Biswajith and Ranjith’s Journey
Life along the serene coastal regions of West Bengal has its own charm. But for Biswajith and Ranjith, two 15-year-old school dropouts, the rural landscape was also a reminder of daily struggle.
Both boys worked as daily wage labourers, living hand-to-mouth and often uncertain if they could afford their next meal. Each morning they rode their bicycles through the village and nearby areas, searching for any work that could earn them a few rupees to support their families.
Despite their hard work, their earnings barely covered basic household expenses.
A Spark of Opportunity
One day, Ranjith returned home with exciting news. A neighbor had told him about job opportunities in Bengaluru, a city he described as vibrant, fast-paced, and full of possibilities.
Intrigued, Biswajith listened as Ranjith described towering buildings, bustling streets, and the many opportunities available in the city. For Biswajith, the idea offered hope—a chance to escape the limitations of rural life and contribute more meaningfully to his family.
After discussing the idea with their parents and receiving encouragement, the boys were referred to a fabrication factory in Bengaluru through a friend.
With dreams in their eyes and determination in their hearts, they boarded a train to the city, leaving their village behind.
Arrival in Bengaluru
Stepping into Bengaluru felt like entering a completely different world.
The city’s modern lifestyle, crowded streets, and constant activity left Biswajith amazed. Everything seemed bigger and faster than the life they had known back home.
They eventually managed to rent a small room with a tiny kitchen. Though cramped, it was enough for them to call home and begin their new journey.
Their first day at the factory was intimidating. With no prior experience, they started as helpers earning ₹400 per day. The work was physically demanding, and the environment required them to learn quickly.
Ranjith adapted rapidly, determined to master the skills necessary to grow in the fabrication trade.
Biswajith, however, began exploring other opportunities around the city.
Diverging Paths
While Ranjith stayed committed to his job in the fabrication factory—learning welding, grinding, and painting—Biswajith decided to try working as a waiter in a restaurant.
The job offered a monthly salary of ₹12,000, along with food and accommodation. At first, the offer seemed promising.
But reality soon proved challenging. The long 12-hour shifts and frequent interactions with demanding customers made the work stressful and exhausting.
Meanwhile, Ranjith continued to grow in his role at the factory.
With support from his colleagues and a strong desire to improve, he quickly became skilled at operating tools and machinery. Within five months, his daily wage increased by ₹500, recognizing his progress and dedication.
After one year, his persistence paid off further when he was promoted to assistant fitter, earning ₹800 per day.
Biswajith, however, struggled to find stability. He frequently switched jobs in search of better pay and easier conditions.
Unfortunately, his constant job changes prevented him from gaining experience or building expertise. As a result, his income remained below ₹12,000 per month, leaving him frustrated and financially unstable.
Lessons from the Journey
A year in Bengaluru changed the lives of both young men—but in very different ways.
Ranjith’s commitment to learning and his willingness to endure difficult work brought him stability and growth. His journey demonstrated that perseverance and skill development can create meaningful opportunities.
For Biswajith, the lesson was harder. His experience revealed that better pay and comfort are rarely achieved without dedication, patience, and skill-building.
Their story reflects the experiences of countless young migrants who move to cities with hopes of building better lives.
While the journey is rarely easy, those who remain focused, adaptable, and willing to learn often find a path toward progress.
For Biswajith, the hope of finding stability still remains—encouraged by Ranjith’s success and the many opportunities that continue to exist in the city of dreams.