New Sangvi's golden paper man

Newspapers could well be 67-year-old Subhash Pawar ‘s middle name, as he has been selling newspapers for a record 50 years now.

Pawar began delivering newspapers at age 17, while working at a stationary shop. However, when his friends chided him for earning a paltry Rs10 for his effort, he decided to start his own newspaper delivery agency.

Five decades hence, Pawar has come a long way. Speaking to DNA at his New Sangvi home, Pawar said, "Initially, I used to deliver eight copies of newspapers to different homes in and around Khadki, where I resided earlier." Today, the veteran delivers close to 2,000 newspapers to a client base which includes government offices, schools, residences and hospitals.

Pawar has some very interesting anecdotes to narrate about his time on the job. Like the time he carried newspapers on his cycle with a lantern in the wee hours of the morning, come rain or shine.

It took him 15 years to purchase his first scooter, which made his job comparatively easier. "My cycle and scooter still remain in my garage amidst the new cars and bikes. They remind me of my struggling days," Pawar told DNA. Today, Pawar still prefers to travel on his scooter, which he has affectionately named
Dhanno.

According to the man, his wife Durga's support and his own passion for work are the two basic reasons that have helped him become a successful newspaper vendor. "My passion has kept me glued to my work. I worked even on the day of my marriage. To save my customers from any hassles, I haven't taken a holiday in fifty years, even for a honeymoon. You need a very co-operative wife to support you through this," says Pawar with a smile.

Today, Pawar owns a bungalow in New Sangvi, along with two cars. His three sons, Pravin, Prashant and Sachin have all graduated from college and hold good jobs in private companies. "My sons are proud of my work as a newspaper vendor. They know that the newspaper business has made us what we are today," Pawar said.