For three years, B Ravi Joseph kept aside every Rs 10 coin he received as change. Whether he was buying groceries or paying for everyday necessities, he continued adding to his collection, even when members of his family questioned the decision. The 51-year-old pastor from Telangana’s Mancherial district has now used those savings to buy a new Honda Activa, paying the entire amount of Rs 1.23 lakh in coins. As reported by NDTV, Joseph, who lives in Luxettipet, began collecting the coins on October 10, 2023. What started as a way to save small amounts gradually became a plan to buy a two-wheeler. When he finally took his accumulated savings to the showroom, staff members needed nearly two hours to count the coins and confirm the total.Joseph paid for the scooter using 12,300 coins of Rs 10 each. His purchase drew attention at the dealership because of the unusual form of payment and the three years of saving behind it.
How small savings added up to Rs 1.23 lakh
Joseph did not build his savings by setting aside large amounts of money at once. Instead, he kept the Rs 10 coins he received during routine purchases rather than spending them. Explaining the habit to NDTV, he said, “For the past three years, out of my daily routine and grocery expenses-even when going out-wherever I went to the grocery shop, I managed to save some money little by little, saving approximately 1,23,000 rupees bit by bit.” Initially, Joseph considered using the money to buy something useful for his household. As the collection grew, however, he decided to put it towards purchasing a two-wheeler.The purchase also fulfilled a long-standing wish. According to various media reports, Joseph had wanted to buy a Royal Enfield Bullet but could not afford one because of financial constraints. He eventually chose the Honda Activa, using the money he had accumulated through his daily savings habit.
His family had doubts, but he continued saving
Joseph’s decision was not supported by everyone at home. Rumours that Rs 10 coins might be discontinued or lose their legal-tender status led some family members to advise him against continuing to collect them. However, he did not abandon the plan. “My family asked me not to continue, but I did not give up. I kept saving the coins, one transaction at a time,” he told NDTV. The doubts did not stop him from putting aside the coins whenever he received them. He continued the practice until he had accumulated enough to make the purchase.
Showroom staff spent nearly two hours counting the coins
When Joseph brought his savings to Jagadamba Honda Motors in Luxettipet, the number of coins made the payment a time-consuming process. As reported by The Economic Times, showroom staff spent close to two hours counting the collection before confirming its value at Rs 1.23 lakh. Joseph was accompanied by family members when he received the new scooter. The unusual transaction attracted attention from showroom employees and local residents.
