The Tracking Indian Youth Workers Media Fellowship presents the next in a series of stories capturing the lives of young workers across India.
At just sixteen, Bobby carries responsibilities far beyond his years. Living in Jaipur, he balances school with long hours of selling cotton candy to support his family. Despite financial struggles and social judgment, he remains focused on education and dreams of building a better future. His story is one of resilience, sacrifice, and quiet determination.
“Education is the only way out. If I don’t study, I’ll always remain in the same place.”
Read his full story below. Profile by Paridhi Jain.
Question: Can you tell me a little about yourself?
My name is Bobby. I’m 16 years old, and I sell cotton candy. I live here in Jaipur with my family.
Question: Are you studying right now?
Yes. I have completed Class 10 and I am now in Class 11. I try to balance both my studies and work because I don’t want to discontinue my education.
Question: Tell me about your family.
We are six people in total—my parents, two sisters, two brothers, and me. My father works as a driver, and my mother is a homemaker. My brothers do not support the family; they spend most of their money on alcohol and gambling. So my father and I take care of the household expenses. We also have two sisters, and in our community, their marriage is a big responsibility. That is why I work—to reduce some of the pressure on my father.
Question: What is your dream for the future?
I want to become a businessman. I don’t want to sell cotton candy all my life. I want to start something of my own—something that grows and provides stability for my family.
Question: What motivates you to keep studying despite working so hard?
Education is the only way out. I see many children who drop out and then struggle all their lives. I don’t want that for myself. Even though I feel tired, I try to finish my homework at night. I know that if I don’t study, I will always remain in the same place.
Question: Can you describe a normal day in your life?
I wake up at 7 AM, get ready, and go to school. I return home around 2 PM, eat quickly, and then leave for work. First, I sell cotton candy in residential colonies. In the evening, I head toward the mall because there is usually a bigger crowd there. I work until late evening, sometimes 9 or 10 PM. After that, I go home, eat dinner, and try to study a little before going to sleep.
Question: Do you ever feel embarrassed or judged while selling cotton candy?
Yes, sometimes. Some people make faces or laugh. But I remind myself that I am not doing anything wrong. I am working hard to support my family, and that gives me strength.
Question: What is the hardest part of your work?
The long hours of standing and walking are the hardest. Sometimes, after school, my legs ache, but I still have to go out and sell. It also hurts when people bargain too much or insult me. However, I stay quiet because I need to make sales.
Question: Do you earn enough to support your family?
On good days, I earn around ₹200–300. On bad days, sometimes not even ₹100. It depends on the crowd and sales. The amount may be small, but it helps with groceries and my sisters’ needs.
Question: What makes you happiest in your day?
I feel happiest when a child smiles after seeing my cotton candy. It also feels great when I sell everything by the end of the day and return home without any leftover stock. That feeling is the best.
Question: If you could change one thing about your life right now, what would it be?
I would want financial stability for my family. If my father did not have to work so hard, if my sisters could study without worry, and if I could focus fully on school—that would change everything.
This is an ongoing series of profiles documenting the experiences of young people across India. Stay tuned for more stories from the youth of India. Follow us on social media for more updates.