Asomese youth sets trend for cohorts

Itanagar, May 23 (UNI) Ramesh Nath, a barber by profession, is ''a man for all seasons'' as he offers a vast range of services to his customers, compassing from giving a nice hairdo to indulging in the latest piece of gossip with them.

''Anoroodh Salon'', located in the heart of Bokakhat town under Asom's Golaghat district, is always bubbling with customers who patiently wait for their turn to sit and relax in the steel chair.

Nath makes it a point to provide his customers with the best of services. He uses decorated traditional Asomese ''gamocha'' (towel) for every purpose including wiping the face, shaving and hair cutting. He also takes pride in knowing every possible bit of news or rumours be it new employment programmes in the state or predicting about Team India's performance in the next World Cup.

Armed with a degree in hair cutting from the renowned Habib Hair Academy, he has not only mastered the art of hair styling but also specialises in facial, bleaching, waxing and massaging. This ''self proclaimed first Asomese barber'' has been earning a monthly income of Rs 10-12 thousand, since nine years, with a little to no investment.

Interestingly, a bitter experience with an inexperienced barber, who spoilt his hairstyle a few years back, prompted him to take up this job. He emphasises that ''there should be no social stigma for a barber.'' ''I would leave no stone unturned to make hair cutting into a profitable venture like other small scale industries in Asom,'' he said adding the Asomese people should insist on this profession to discourage outsiders to have monopoly.

He is soon planning to start an academy to train youths of his state so that they could become self-employed.

UNI