KOZHIKODE: It was the name of PK Kuttan that came to mind when members of the District chapter of the Consumer Protection Committee, decided to honour a vendor on World Consumer Day observed on Thursday. Mr Kuttan has been selling tea in Kozhikode city for just Re1 for the last three decades inspite of being hit by the price hike of various essential commodities over the years.
For Kuttan selling his tea was a service to society rather than earning money out of it. He says, “I believe in Gandhian ideology, which highlights the importance of service mentality in a person”. For me the city is not new and the people who live here are like family. If I can be a reason for a bit of happiness in their lives by providing them tea, that will be the satisfaction I get as a vendor,” he says.
Kuttan has his stall near Palayam Mariyamman Kovil and keeps his stall open between 10 am and 1 pm. “There was even a time when I opened my tea stall between 8 am and 8 pm. But now due to the financial crisis, I cut short the timing. Even snacks are sold here for a minimal price, so that a common man can afford a tea snack for an economic price,” he added.
According to P Gopala Krishnan, the general secretary of the Consumer Protection Committee here, there could be no better vendor in Kozhikode than Kuttan to honour on this occasion as he truly showed justification as a vendor. “We even respect his family consisting of his wife and two daughters who support his service to society,” he added.
