Slice Of Life: ‘As a cobbler, I can’t dream of being rich, but can wish for food’

I am a cobbler and have been doing business at this spot for the past 40 years. I took up this profession, after my grandfather and father. My family has been doing this for generations. My work starts at nine in the morning and goes on till six in the evening. My house is in Pulianthope. I earn Rs 200-300 a day. My sons have completed B Com and B Sc but had to discontinue education due to our family situation. They are working as helpers at private companies. Sometimes they help me with my work. My wife takes care of the home. I can never predict my business. Some days I earn more than Rs 500 but there are days when I have gone home empty-handed. As my sons are working, we are able to manage the house. I have no goals in life. I have seen poverty for a long time, hence I have got accustomed to this state of life. This is not difficult for me. I work daily to fend for my family and feed them. Doing that makes me feel that I have survived the day. I have decided that life should be kept easy. Our goals should be set according to our living. Being a cobbler I cannot set a goal to be a rich man. I just wish for happiness and well-being of my family and food every day. Sometimes I feel I should have made my sons pursue their education. But they have never complained to me about it. I will keep doing the same until the end.