Every morning, millions of readers across Bengaluru begin their day with the rustle of a freshly delivered newspaper, the smell of ink and paper, and the joy of catching up on the day’s headlines. Behind this daily ritual are the city’s newspaper vendors, whose dedication ensures that news reaches every doorstep. As the world observes Newspaper Vendors’ Day, The Times of India pays tribute to these unsung heroes who have been loyal parts of its Bengaluru family for decades.
Dedication before dawn
Chandrashekar Rao of Gokula News Agency, Cox Town, begins his day long before sunrise. “As the city still sleeps, I start my journey to collect bundles of newspapers carrying the world’s stories. The rush to reach every doorstep before people wake up is a race against time, but it’s also a matter of pride,” he says.
Rao recalls enduring rain and bike breakdowns just to ensure no reader misses their paper. One memorable morning, after walking nearly 3km with bundles during a downpour, an elderly customer thanked him with a cup of tea — a small gesture that reflected the bond between vendors and readers. “Working in this field taught me discipline, responsibility, and the joy of connecting people to information every single day,” he added.
From humble beginnings to thriving businesses
Anke Gowda, based in BTM Layout, moved to Bengaluru from Mandya in the early 1970s. He began with just 10 newspaper copies but expanded his business steadily over the decades. “As the business grew beyond what I could manage alone, I brought in my family members to help with deliveries,” he said. Today, his extended family distributes over 25,000 newspaper copies across various publications, serving thousands of readers.
Despite being 75 years old, Gowda continues his routine with unwavering commitment, starting at 4am and personally delivering to over 150 readers using his trusty TVS XL. “The joy of connecting people to news and being part of their daily ritual keeps me going,” he said.
Sustaining livelihoods across generations
Venkataswamy of Santosh News Agency, Hosahalli, began delivering newspapers in 1963 with just 20 copies. Over the years, he expanded to 1,500 copies, providing a steady livelihood for his family and ensuring education for his children. His sons, Madhu and Santhosh Kumar, have since achieved remarkable success — with Santhosh even moving to Japan for a well-paying job.
Despite challenges, including a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, Venkataswamy, now 73, continues to grow his business with the support of his family. “All our accomplishments stem from humble beginnings in newspaper delivery, with a significant share of our business going to TOI,” he said.
Conclusion
Newspaper vendors like Chandrashekar Rao, Anke Gowda, and Venkataswamy are the backbone of print media, ensuring that millions of readers start their day informed and connected. Their stories are a testament to dedication, resilience, and the human connection behind every newspaper delivery, reminding us that behind every headline lies the effort of countless unsung heroes.