Past had bitter moments, but future is sweet for Avtar Singh

Charanjit Singh Teja

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, September 30

Working at a cloth showroom for 20 years, Avtar Singh had never imagined that his owner one day would wrap up his services in a bitter fashion. But it happened; the farewell was a forgettable one. As pandemic-triggered lockdown gobbled jobs of many a workmen, so was his fate – the owner showed him the door, without budging an inch.

“It was quite depressing and I didn’t have any alternative source of income. The showroom owner lay off a large number of workers during the lockdown. They didn’t even recognise our services and contribution to their business and left us in the time of crisis,” Avtar laments.

But it was only a matter of time before fortunes straightened out. Since Ram Singh, his nana ji, is a well-known face as a sweet maker in Gilwali area known for his delicious delicacies such as jalebis and other traditional sweets. On his advice, Avtar initiated his own sweet shop in back market of New Amritsar.

“My family is very supportive, especially my nana ji. He asked me to start a business of sweet and shakes and even joined hands in the process. I know preparation of all sweets but he is a master. He works only for the marriages and fairs,” he says. Now, he is reminded of his time at the fairs with the elderly. “During my childhood, we would visit all melas, where he used to vend jalebis,” he reminisces.

Presently, both have full time job and are managing the sweet shop for last one month. “I used to hesitate to start my own business as it needs more time than job. But now I realise that private job is very insecure. I got good response in first month. We are providing fresh items with proper hygiene,” Avatar tells. They prepare all kind of sweets but their jalebis and samosas are favourites with the people. And home delivery is on the cards as well. “There is no other sweet shop in the area. Moreover, we are focusing on quality and hygiene. The feedback is good. We will start home delivery soon,” the sweet maker shares.