BHUBANESWAR: In the chilly winter nights, Prem Samal has become a beacon of warmth for the city’s nocturnal workforce. The 31-year-old has taken up an unusual mission of distributing hot milk tea, along with biscuits and anti-mosquito sticks, for just Re 1.
Every night, after closing his garment shop in Jharpada, Samal sets out on his two-wheeler, carrying his special tea to various locations across the city. His regular stops include the railway station, bus stands, shelters, and hospitals, where he serves around 700 cups of tea every night.
“One rupee could be a small amount of money, but it has its own value,” said Samal, who particularly distributes tea on the highway stretch between Rasulgarh and Kalinga Nagar squares. His main customers are night shift workers, autorickshaw drivers and food delivery personnel who brave the cold to earn a living.
The nominal charge of Re 1 serves a dual purpose. “It ensures that people value what they receive and helps in fair distribution,” Samal explained. “If it were free, the entire supply would be exhausted at one location,” he said.
Originally from Ali in Kendrapada district, Samal moved to Bhubaneswar in 2009. Despite holding a diploma in engineering, he chose entrepreneurship when suitable employment opportunities didn’t materialise. In 2015, he established his garment shop and simultaneously initiated his charitable tea service.
The journey began with water distribution at Capital Hospital, which later evolved into the current Re 1 tea initiative. “The initial disbelief on people’s faces when they hear about the price turns into priceless smiles after they taste the tea,” Samal said.
His thoughtful addition of biscuits and mosquito repellent sticks to the package makes it more than just a service — it’s a gesture of care for those working through the night. Regular customers, particularly auto drivers and food delivery workers, have come to rely on Samal’s nightly rounds for their tea breaks.
