For any problem, Pramoda has a fix

Bhubaneswar: Come rain or shine, this man is always only a phone call away and has a solution for all your problems. Pramoda Kumar Bhuyan is available when your tap is leaking, your fan is not working or your motor pump has developed snags even during this long-drawn lockdown. He fixes taps and repairs fans without taking any labour charges. He only charges for the spare parts.

Bhuyan (55), who is a caretaker of a resident welfare association in Nayapalli in the city, acquired the skills to repair different snags over the years.

During the lockdown, when shops are closed and plumbers and mechanics are not ready to work, Bhuyan never thinks twice before attending to people’s problems. He says, “I derive immense satisfaction from helping people. I acquired all my skills by dabbling in different works over the years. In the current situation, when people are facing hardships owing to the lockdown, I try and help them so that they can at least have a sound sleep.”

At a time when mechanics are ready to fleece you for a minor maintenance work, you can count on Bhuyan for a solution.

Sanjita Parida, a homemaker from IRC village of the city, says, “When my gas stove stopped working, I was clueless about how to get it fixed during this unprecedented crisis. My neighbour gave me the phone number of Bhuyan. I called him up and he was there in 15 minutes. He not only fixed the stove but also gave me some tips on how to deal with some minor snags. I offered him money for his labour, but he refused. At this critical juncture, he was like godsend for me. Even if your electricity meter goes kaput in the dead of night, Bhuyan will be right on your doorstep to repair it.”

Fans developing snags is a common problem in summer. Souvagya Mohapatra, a Nayapalli resident, says, “My fan conked out and I was sweating profusely owing to the scorching heat. Thanks to Bhuyan, who fixed the fan in half an hour. Because of him, my family could sleep comfortably in the sweltering heat.” Bhuyan is a plumber, an electrician and a motor mechanic, all rolled into one, adds Mohapatra.

Money is never a priority for him. “Before the lockdown was imposed, I stocked up on different spare parts anticipating a long corona break,” says Bhuyan while fixing a motor pump in one of the homes.

For his selfless service, people donated generously when he married off his only daughter recently. Even during festivals, people come to his house to give him tip.

No wonder that in his locality, people know him as a Good Samaritan.

“I will continue to help people till my body permits. The good wishes and blessings of people has kept me going,” says Bhuyan, who lives in a two-room house, provided by the association. He has a family of three, including a son.