Survival tactics of unemployed Bengali youth

Necessity is the mother of invention and that is evident from the way the unemployed Bengali youth manage to survive even though they may not be blessed with a steady job that guarantees a pay-packet at the end of the month. It is strange that with thousands registered in the employment exchange and jobs at a premium, the Bengali youths arrange to obtain money required to pay for cinema tickets and mobile phone bills and cigarettes and tea and snacks – and they do not do this alone but usually have at least one girl for company.
How do they do it?
Well – these young Bengalis are innovative. It was the culmination of a number of important factors that showed them the way of how to lead a life that had its share of ups and downs and was also a paying proposition, provided one had the determination to forge ahead.

If I remember correctly, it all stated in the 1970s when, with bleak prospects of getting regular employment, they decided to go it alone. Their beginning was through groups of friends who would be called upon to organize feeding of guests at marriage parties. Usually, the head of the family would request a local boy to organize and the boy would oblige. He would land up with his trusted group of friends and take over. They would set the tables, and serve the food with smiling faces. And, after the last guest had left, they would sit with members of the family for their dinner. There would be occasions when the fish or mutton or the rosogollas would be in short supply – they would not grumble. They would happy at having done a social work.
They were contented with the thanks but, suddenly, one day. They decided to go professional – and, became caterers. A profession that has continued to flourish. It does not require any investment to start with except good contacts with suppliers from chairs and tables to fish, mutton, rosogollas and all other items that are indispensable at weddings.
The advances paid are from money received from the head of the family. The only requirement for success are skill, man management and contacts. (to be continued …)

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