Journalism student by day, chilly chicken specialist by night: Kollam native Bichu's way of life

KOLLAM: After returning home from college, Bichu rushes to the roadside eatery run by his father. Bichu manages his studies amidst the cooking and serving duties that extend until 1 AM. A third-year BA Journalism student at SN College, Kollam, this 21-year-old has secured 85 per cent marks in all three semesters for which results have been declared. He donned the hat of a cook at the eatery to prevent the bank from attaching their home.

Bichu had achieved 'Full A+' in the 10th standard and five 'A+' grades in Plus Two. Bichu had once dreamed of becoming a chef, but abandoned that ambition and enrolled in a journalism course as he lacked funds to join a private culinary institute.

Before heading from home to the roadside food stall, he takes photos of study notes on his phone and also carries PDF versions with him. If time allows and the shop see less customers, Bichu delves into his studies. Realising the lack of time to cater to his academic needs, Bichu found a solution: to keenly listen to his teachers during lecture hours.

Bichu’s father, Binulal, runs the roadside food stall in Polayathode, Kollam. His mother, Binitha Kumari, and grandmother, Indira, also work in the shop. Brother Bipinlal also drops by occasionally to help.

It is Bichu who prepares the chicken curry, chicken chilli, beef roast, and beef fry. On busy days, he also prepares parottas. He receives Rs 200 a day from his father; the remaining earnings go towards his share of repaying the loan.

Binulal previously owned a mini-lorry. He built a house using a bank loan of Rs 7 lakh. When the business toppled, Binulal had to sell his lorry, and loan repayments stalled. He then decided to start a Thattukada (roadside eatery) when Bichu was in the fourth grade. Initially, there were hired workers for cooking and other tasks. However, as there was hardly any profit left after paying their wages, Bichu, along with his mother and brother, stepped in to do the work themselves.