A people’s representative who still collects ration sacks; The story of ‘Pariya’ Abdullah from Aroor

Aroor: While ration supplies serve as a lifeline for many, for Abdullah, it is the empty ration sacks that sustain his livelihood. Abdullah (49), Chairman of the Development Standing Committee of the Aroor Panchayat, makes a living by collecting and selling used sacks from ration shops.

Fondly known as “Pariya” among locals, Abdullah continues his sack collection and sales work despite being an elected panchayat member. The sack business was started 49 years ago by his father, Muhammad. From a young age, Abdullah and his elder brother Habibullah assisted him. After their father’s death four years back, the brothers took over the reins of Al Ameen Traders in Chandiroor.

A Congress sympathiser, Abdullah served as president of the Aroor 10th Ward Congress Committee for about a decade. In the recent elections, he unexpectedly contested from the same ward and secured the highest majority in the 24-member panchayat—winning by 431 votes. In his very first term, he was appointed as the Standing Committee Chairman.

Abdullah collects empty sacks from over 150 ration shops, stretching from Aroor to Alappuzha Kattur. He drives the vehicle himself, stocks the sacks, and transports them to neighbouring states. When large lorries arrive for shipment, Pariya also works as a labourer, helping with the loading.

Despite this, he does not neglect his responsibilities as a public representative. He is always available when people call. Abdullah also runs a peeling shed at home, providing employment to around 30 people, while three workers are employed at the sack trading unit.

His eldest son, Ahmed Kabir, who has completed BBA in Logistics, and his second son, Muhammad Altaf, a BCom student, assist him in sack collection during their free time. His youngest son, Muhammad Azar, a school student, and his wife Raziya, stand firmly by his side.