Pookkottur's Bellary Raja! 12-year-old Muthumon's buffalo business is talk of town

KOCHI: Sixth-grader Milhan, fondly called Muthumon, has traded more than a thousand buffaloes in just a year and a half! Muthumon from Malappuram Pookkottur AUP School is the youngest buffalo trader in Kerala. He is just 12 years old. Even prominent people come to the markets these days to catch a glimpse of Muthumon's buffalo trade.

Muthumon grew up in his house in Mariyadu Pandarapetti, watching his father Mustafa's trade dealings. His childhood friends were chickens, goats and buffaloes. He developed an interest in going to the market with his father and watching the buffaloes being bought and sold. Even during his childhood days, Muthumon used to throw a tantrum to be with his father during market visits. By the time he reached the fourth grade, Muthumon started talking about trade, and it turned into a revelation.

Muthumon gradually took over the business. Mustafa's job is now only to pay and receive money.

"At first, there was a little tension. When I saw my son's business style, I was amazed. Then I didn't think about anything else; I handed over the entire business to my son. It's a great joy to see people appreciating and coming to see the business," Mustafa said.

Mother Khadija supports her son. Jahana Serin, Muhammad Musharraf, and Iba Fatima are Muthumon’s siblings.

Every morning, before going to school, Muthumon will tie the goats and buffaloes to the field and give them water. When he comes home from school, Muthumon will take all of them back home. On Sundays, Muthumon can be seen at Chattiparamba market engaging in serious trade talks.