19. A Railway Coolie essay
Answers
A coolie is one who earns his bread by carrying baggage and loads. Such a coolie working at railway stations is called a railway coolie. He is a common figure at every railway station.
His Description
The railway coolie wears a red or black kurta. His license number printed on a white piece of cloth is stitched to his kurta near his breast. He wears a blue or black turban on his head. Some coolies have big napkins on their shoulders. In look and appearance he is simple but shabby and dirty.
His life and Earnings
The railway coolie leads a very hard and difficult life. He is always on the lookout for a passenger to engage him. He has no fixed period for his meals and rest. Whenever a train is to arrive he stands alert. The moment the train enters the platform he rushes towards the passengers’ compartment. At a call or hint on his head. Some coolies carry the luggage of the passengers who want to get into the train. In any season and at any period of the day or night the railway coolie has to work for his livelihood. Whether there is burning heat or biting cold, the railway coolie has to remain on the platform. In spite of such a hard and difficult life, the railway coolie earns hardly enough to make both ends meet.
His Manners
The railway coolies are generally illiterate. So, they are rude in their behavior and rough in manners. Because of their poverty they are submissive. Some of them are cunning and wicked. They try to cheat the simple and innocent passengers.
Merits and Demerits
The railway coolie is very useful for passengers. He helps them in getting into and down from the train. He carries heavy load on a nominal hire. Not only this, the railway coolies work as guides too. So, they are very helpful to ignorant passengers. For weak and disabled passengers they secure seats in the compartment. But there are many coolies who are wicked and dishonest. They cheat and mislead ignorant passengers.
Conclusion
The condition of the railway coolies needs reform. They should be provided with better facilities of housing and clothing. We should be considerate and generous to them.