95-Year-Old Man Serves Vada With Love In Cuttack

Manoj Jena

Cuttack, Feb 5: In today’s fast-paced world, everyone seems preoccupied with securing their future and double ticking their materialistic lust. In order to quit working by 40 to lead a comfortable life, we often forget to appreciate the beauty what life offers in the present.

Despite all the advice to make the most of the here and now, we remain chained to thoughts of tomorrow and materialistic possessions. Many work tirelessly with hopes of retiring early, sacrificing their health and present for a future that may never come. Then, there’s Narana Sahoo, a 95-year-old man who serves up delicious Vadas and other fried snacks in Cuttack to make ends meet and defeating age, appreciating hard work.

Born in Angul, Narana moved to Cuttack with three friends in search of a better life. He began working as a house help, earning just Rs 7 per month for over 10 years. Driven by the dream of independence, he eventually started his own food stall. In 1960, Narana set up his first stall on Naya Sarak Road, near Emarti Devi Women’s College. Since then, he has been serving his signature fried snacks, with the help of his grandson, working at the stall every day without fail.

What draws customers to his stall isn’t just the taste of the food, but the remarkable speed and skill with which Narana works. Despite his age, he can fry vadas with impressive speed, a testament to his decades of dedication and experience. Visitors often wonder how a 95-year-old man, without glasses or support, can work tirelessly, focused and energized as he serves up the fried snacks.

As evening approaches, Narana and his grandson set up their stall and prepare vadas, Dahi bara, Pakodas, and Piajees (fried onion snacks). Within minutes, the food is ready, and people of all ages— from children to the elderly— eagerly line up to enjoy the hot, crispy treats that mark the beginning of their evening.

‘I visit here two or three times a week. I’ve been eating here for the past 15 years, and the taste has never changed. Mausa (Uncle/Narana) is a very loving person who once told me how life can be beautiful with fewer possessions’, said Mahesh, a regular costumer.

When asked how he manages to work so diligently at his age, Narana shared, ‘I came to Cuttack with three friends, and now I’m the only one surviving. I arrived with nothing, and now I have great-grandchildren. I believe that work is worship, and I’m content with what I have—a large family and a small home. I also believe, ‘the more you have, the more you worry; the less you have, the less you worry.’ One day, we’ll all turn to ashes, and I see no point in taking material possessions with me to the afterlife. So, I’m happy with what I have and find pure joy in feeding people. I will continue doing so as long as I breathe.”

Narana’s story is a reminder that sometimes, happiness lies not in the pursuit of wealth or possessions, but in simple acts of dedication and love for the present moment.