PALAKKAD: Edathara’s pride Barber Babu is becoming a hero of Kerala by doing free haircut and shaving for elderly persons and bed-ridden patients at their homes.

A daily-wage labourer, Babu is not at all a professional barber but he learnt the ‘job’ from his barber friends. The 51-year-old has taken up the present task, thinking that his skill would be of use to someone at this period of crisis.

However, Babu follows the guidelines for hygiene laid out by the health department so that he doesn’t spread or contract diseases.

Babu’s family comprises his mother wife, two children and a bed-ridden brother.

Earlier, during flood times also he came out to do rescue works.

The lockdown has stalled his income; the only solace is the free ration and the pension his mother and brother receive