On Diwali evening last week, Ramchander, a barber, lit two diyas and two candles at the exact spot on a dark, tree-lined sidewalk in central Delhi where he operates his stall daily, despite being remained closed due to the festival that day. . After offering his prayers (see photo), he agreed to be part of our Proust Questionnaire series, in which citizens are encouraged to make “Parisian salon confessions,” all to explore our distinct experiences.

My job. I have been doing this haircutting and hajamati (shaving) work for as long as I can remember my first days at home in the village. I went to school in the morning, returned in the afternoon, after which I developed my hajamati skills by learning kaam (work) from my barber brothers.

Your favorite qualities in a man.

Doing his job so well that he deserves praise for it.

Your favorite qualities in a woman.

She must devote herself to the well-being of her husband, children and saas-sasur (in-laws). She must also help the husband in his kheti (agriculture)… in the villages, a woman must work more than her man. I don’t know what it’s like for them in the cities, even though I have lived in Dilli for 20 years.

Your favorite occupation.

You need poonji (wealth) to indulge in your favorite pursuits.

Your idea of ​​happiness.

Happiness depends on one’s origin. My life is… passing.

Where would you like to live?

In my village. It is in UP, Lucknow Sea Aage, in Amethi district, called Senipur.

Your heroes in real life.

My late brothers Om Prakash and Umesh. My parents died when I was very young. They raised me, they arranged my marriage, they were my guardians.

Your favorite first names.

Deepak and Suraj, these are the names of my sons. They live in the village and take care of our agricultural land. We own ek beegha zameen… my wife Shanti Devi passed away 20 years ago.

The natural talent you wish you had.

The talent to become rich.

Your motto in life.

Keep doing mehnat (hard work).