In a remarkable story of passion fuelled by perseverance, a 67-year-old sugarcane juice seller from Kannur has charted an extraordinary path from his roadside stall to international borders. Hashim VP, a resident of Pappinisseri, has turned the earnings from his humble venture into a passport for global exploration, visiting ten countries across continents.
From Stadium Stall to Global Passport
For nearly three decades, Hashim has been operating his modest sugarcane juice stall outside the Jawahar Municipal Stadium in Kannur. What began as a simple means of livelihood gradually evolved into the funding source for his greatest passion: seeing the world. Using the income from selling sugarcane juice, Hashim has journeyed far beyond his hometown, meticulously saving to transform his travel dreams into reality.
His adventures have taken him to diverse and historically rich destinations. So far, he has visited Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Malaysia, Thailand, Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Each trip has been a chapter in a lifelong journey of discovery, often shared with his constant companion, his wife Haseena.
The Spark That Ignited a Lifelong Journey
The travel bug bit Hashim relatively later in life. He recalls that his first major trip was to Delhi in 2012. Traditionally, the months of June and July marked an off-season for his business, a time he would spend at home. However, a transformative conversation with his elder brother shifted his perspective entirely.
"His brother spoke to him about the importance of travel and the experiences it offers, sparking a passion within him," as recounted in his interview. That discussion proved to be a turning point. "From then on, I have not stopped travelling and continue to explore new places whenever I can," Hashim stated, speaking to ANI.
Next Destination: The Great Wall of China
Not one to rest on his laurels, Hashim is already preparing for his next great adventure. In the coming three months, he plans to visit China, a trip he intends to undertake with his wife and his elder brother—the very person who inspired his nomadic spirit.
Reflecting on his recent travels, Hashim mentioned, "The last trip I did was to Turkey; it is beautiful." His anticipation for China is palpable, marking the next step in an incredible narrative that challenges conventional notions about who can be a global traveller.
Hashim VP's story is a powerful testament to the fact that with determination and a clear goal, even the most ordinary professions can open doors to extraordinary experiences. His stall outside the Kannur stadium remains not just a business, but the gateway that funds his gateway to the world.
