Tea vendor is brand ambassador for education scheme

The state education ministry has appointed 28-year-old tea stall owner and vendor from Pune, Somnath Giram, as the brand ambassador for its ‘earn and learn’ scheme. The decision was announced by state education minister Vinod Tawde on Monday after Mr Giram passed the CA finals exams in the first attempt with 55 per cent. The results were declared on January 18.

While announcing Mr Giram’s appointment, Mr Tawde said that the sheer hard work and determination of Mr Giram, despite the odds being stacked heavily against him, made him an ideal role model for others to emulate. “Giram ran a tea stall and funded his education through it to complete his CA studies. He was backed by the ‘earn while you learn programme’ of the education department and hence he is the ideal candidate to further the programme and spread awareness about it among the masses. Hence he has been named as the brand ambassador for it,” said Mr Tawde.

Mr Giram, son of a farmer from Solapur, came to Pune in search of a job after completing his HSC to supplement the family income that was severely affected by the drought. After he failed to secure a decent job, his friend with whom he lived in Pune suggested he start a tea stall. With no other option in sight, Mr Giram readily accepted the offer and set up his stall at Sadashiv Peth with funding from his friend.