In pictures: Indian postman

Prasad's work has expanded.

Realising the reach of the postmen, a few years ago the government-owned telephone company Bharat Sanchar Nigam gave telephones to those working in remote areas.

Now for those who cannot come to the phone, the phone comes to them.

"The postal department pays me a salary of 3,000 rupees," he says.

"I also make an extra 1,000 rupees as commission from the telephone calls. It is good to have this telephone."