Mangaluru: Hajabba, Orange seller who was given Padma Shri for building a school in his village, said he left barefoot to receive one of the country’s top civilian awards because he remembered the poverty faced by his parents.
“You have seen my background,” said the extraordinary Hajabba, when he was asked why he met with a barefoot Indian President.
“I am an ordinary person without a background, born in a village that is not clearly called Harekala.
Such people go to receive one of the highest civilian awards, and who do I see sitting there? President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Minister of Home Affairs and A number of officials, “said the fruit seller, who was given a hero speech when he landed at Mangalore Airport from Delhi on Tuesday.
“Then, suddenly, my mind about my parents came to my mind.
I remember them as people who did not have the right clothes, no footwear.
They were hardly able to buy two square foods.
So, how can I walk No footwear to receive a great honor? “He said.
Photos without Hajabba footwear that received the roll from the president had been viral.
When Hajabba returned to Mangalore, the Tehsildar T Guruprasad district, as well as the villagers of Harakarala and Pavoor were waiting.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner KV Rajendra contained it.
Padma Shri Hajabba is a proud moment, he said.
Regarding the demand for fruit sellers to establish PU College, Rajendra said the proposal from the district government would soon be sent to the government.