SIDEWALK STORIES

Meet the vendors and read their stories.

Dayaram Chaurasya

Six Decades of Serving Paan with Pride

For the past 60 years, Dayaram Chaurasya, fondly known as Deya Raam, has been running his paan stall — a quiet but dependable presence in the heart of Mumbai. For 40 of those years, his stall was near Mantralaya, serving government workers, office-goers, and everyday locals. Later, he moved to his current location, still doing what he knows best: offering paan, biscuits, and cigarettes with patience and pride.

He travels daily from Santacruz, where he lives with his wife and two sons — one of whom is married, and the other is still studying. The family runs on the modest income from this small stall, but keeping it afloat is becoming more difficult.

The rising costs of supplies — paan leaves, supari, cigarettes, and snacks — have made it hard for Dayaram-ji to restock regularly. His customers return out of loyalty, but the stall desperately needs a boost.

“Agar biscuits aur chhoti-moti snacks bharne mein madad mil jaaye, toh thela achhe se chalega aur thoda zyada kama bhi sakunga.”

Let’s help Dayaram-ji keep his legacy alive —
Because 60 years of honest work deserves more than just survival.

How You
Can Help

Dayaram ji

Want to help?

Email me at ahaanajaveri@gmail.com with the name of the vendor. I will send you a detailed list of how you can help. or DM me on instagram

Donate Supplies:

  • 10 boxes of Happy Dent chewing gums | 2 boxes of Good Day Biscuits
  • 5 boxes of Jim Jam Biscuits | 2 boxes of Nice Time Biscuits
  • 5 boxes of Dairy Milk Chocolate (any type) | 5 boxes of Kit Kat
  • 5 boxes of Dairy Milk Fruit & Nut | 5 boxes of Five Star

Monetary Support:

  • To help with bulk restocking of goods
  • Or to secure better, more reliable suppliers

Spread the Word:

  • Share his story
  • Connect him with NGOs or citizens’ groups that support elderly vendors

Give him business:

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