The Tracking Indian Youth Workers Media Fellowship presents the next in a series of stories capturing the lives of young workers across India.
Manoj Singh Bisht, 25 years old, he left his small village in Nepal when he was just 13 years old, driven by the need to support his family. Despite his parents' wishes for him to stay back and work on the family farm or find a job in Kathmandu, he moved to India, starting as a waiter in Delhi. His career took a step forward when he became a chef at a corporate office in Bengaluru. Although the role gave him stability and taught him many skills, Manoj always dreamt of running his own business. Six months ago, he turned that dream into reality by opening his own momo stall. He has transformed his small yellow momo cart into a local favorite, attracting students and office-goers who eagerly line up for his freshly steamed momos.
“I’m grateful that my business is running smoothly. The years of constant criticism about my place in life are finally behind me. Now, I am treated with more respect back home because I have lifted my family out of poverty. I am still learning, but I am happy with where I am in life for now.”
Read his full story below. Profile by Vaishnavi Bhat.
Note: The Future of India’s Tracking Youth Workers series aims to humanize individuals who might otherwise be reduced to mere statistics—behind the numbers are young people with deeply personal dreams, emotions, and struggles, reflecting the shared experiences of many. In light of the tragic death of Prakriti Lamsal, a Nepali student studying in India, we share this story in solidarity, highlighting the lived experiences of a young Nepali worker in India.
India and Nepal share a long history of friendship, formalized through the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which enables free movement across our borders. While every nation must strive to create opportunities for growth and progress domestically, as a country with a significant diaspora in nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, we understand the importance of opportunity and dignity for migrant workers. The empathy and opportunities we expect other countries to extend to our fellow Indians abroad, we must also show to our Nepali friends here in India.
Vaishnavi: Hello, can you tell me something about yourself?
Manoj: My name is Manoj, and I am 25 years old. I work as a street-side momo seller in Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru. I was born and raised in a village near Pokhara, Nepal. My parents are farmers who still live in Nepal along with my two younger brothers.
I came to India in 2013 when I was 13 years old. My first job was as a waiter in a hotel in Anand Vihar, Delhi. After four years, I moved to Bengaluru and started working as a chef at EcoSpace Corporate Office.
Working as a chef gave me a sense of status and helped me develop valuable skills. I managed an assistant, and together we created Excel sheets for menu planning and budgeting. I also kept track of expenses and food safety.
However, I always had a dream of starting my own business, so I decided to leave my chef job. Six months ago, I set up my momo stall. Momo are quite popular in Bengaluru and they are so easy to make. Since I am good at making them, I thought it was the perfect start. I set up my stall near a college, where the demand is high.
Vaishnavi: What has your experience been like moving from your home country to India?
Manoj: In our village, there weren’t many opportunities, and even if there were, the income wasn’t enough to support my family. Being the eldest, I was determined to go out and earn a living. I was sure I wanted to go to Delhi and find work, but my parents were not entirely supportive. They wanted me to either take care of the farm or at least work closer to home in Pokhara or Kathmandu. Fortunately, my uncle in Delhi helped me secure a job at a hotel, which gave me the chance I needed.
Culturally, the transition wasn't too challenging since Nepal and India share many traditions. I appreciate India’s diversity, and I genuinely enjoy connecting with people here. Wherever I go, I make sure to be a part of the society. Learning the local language also gives me an edge in talking to my customers and making friends. Today, I can speak seven languages—Hindi, Nepali, Kannada, Bhojpuri, Bengali, Kannada and a bit of English.
Vaishnavi: How has your experience been as a momo seller?
Manoj: Initially, I was unsure if I would make a profit, but that’s the nature of business—you take risks and learn along the way. I invested in cookers, utensils, and a cart. My shop sells both vegetarian and non-vegetarian momo in different varieties. I buy ingredients in bulk every month.
These days, I make 700-800 momo daily, and by the end of the day, I usually sell out completely. Currently, my business is doing well—I sell around 140 plates daily. Since college students are my main customers and they prefer chicken momo, I focus on preparing what’s in demand.
Owning a business gives me flexibility. I can adjust the menu, take days off when needed, and even visit home for a month if I want to. When I was a chef, my schedule depended on my manager and boss, but now, I truly enjoy being my own boss and the freedom it brings.
However, my heart still desires for more. I want to start a momo food-chain—maybe five years from now, once my siblings have completed their education.
Vaishnavi: How much do you earn on a daily basis? Is it enough to support your family and cover your needs?
Manoj: I earn around ₹5,000-6,000 per day, which adds up to approximately ₹1.5 lakh per month. It’s more than enough to cover my rent and food expenses. I am also able to send a significant portion back home to support my family. My younger brothers are currently pursuing Computer Science Engineering in Nepal, and my earnings help cover their education expenses. To cut down on my expenses, I live in a small flat in Hebbal and bought a scooter to save transport costs.
Living conditions have improved significantly for my family in Nepal. hings are more affordable in Nepal—for example, an apple costs just ₹20 there, while the same apple in a big Indian city costs around ₹70.
Vaishnavi: Do you ever wish you had completed your education?
Manoj: No, I have never regretted or felt remorseful about my decision to start working at an early age. I studied until 7th grade but left school because business was my calling.
Business is in my blood. I don’t believe that formal education is necessary to become a businessman. What matters is being sharp, interacting well with customers, and making quick decisions. Business is more about practical experience.
I’m grateful that my business is running smoothly. The years of constant criticism about my place in life are finally behind me. Now, I am treated with more respect back home because I have lifted my family out of poverty. I am still learning, but I am happy with where I am in life for now.
Vaishnavi: What’s your opinion on youth employment in India? Do you think there are sufficient opportunities for young workers like you?
Manoj: My advice to young people is to identify their strengths and find a job that aligns with their interests. For me, making momo and running a business isn’t just a job—it’s something I genuinely enjoy. I strategically opened my shop near a college because I knew it would be profitable.
There’s no point in investing time and money into something you don’t enjoy, as it can drain you mentally and financially. I believe there are plenty of opportunities out there, but you have to be proactive and work hard to make the most of them. Success often comes to those who are willing to put in the effort and use their skills wisely.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from young workers across India. Follow us on social media for more updates.
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