Slice of life: ‘I am the king of my life’

I   started to drive at the age of 20. I used to drive bigger vehicles like trucks and lorries. While driving a two-wheeler, I met with an accident and injured my leg. After that, I do not have the strength to use the clutch in big vehicles. That was when I bought my own auto -- 15 years ago and started driving on my own. I hail from Tirukalukundram near Chengalpattu and moved to Chennai 40 years ago. At present, I live in Kannigapuram with my wife and three children. 

My elder son is working. My younger son is studying in Class 12 and my daughter is in Class 10. My wife is a homemaker. I am not going to pretend that driving an auto is the best job in the world, it has its own shortcomings. However, I am the king of my life. I decide my work timings, the areas I want to drive in and only take a customer if they seem to be polite. Also, driving an auto is easier than most jobs because in just a matter of 5 to 10 minutes one can make Rs 100. This cannot be said about any other job. Some auto drivers take up night shifts as they can earn more money in a short span of time. I am not interested in all that, I prefer working peacefully in the day. My dream is to meet the financial needs of my family and live a peaceful life.