India, April 9 -- One of the living landmarks of central Delhi's Kasturba Gandhi Road is Ramesh Kumar Mohvy. He has been the area's familiar face for many years. In fact, his shoe-repairing pavement stall is marking its 40th anniversary this year. This afternoon, he graciously agrees to become a part of our Proust Questionnaire series, in which citizens are nudged to make "Parisian parlour confessions", all to explore our distinct experiences. He takes only a single break in between to nudge a street dog to a bowl of milk that was placed for the dog in a corner of the pavement.

The principal aspect of your personality.

My simple way of life.

What is your present state of mind?

I am thinking about my business. It is not as thriving as ...