Slice Of Life: ‘I wish govt resumes giving old-age pension’

I have been selling bananas for over 50 years in Chennai. My native is Sankarapuram near Kallakurichi. After my mother’s demise, I moved to Chennai to stay with my uncle. My elder brother stayed back with my father. I wanted to study but my father did not allow me to go to school. One day, the Chennai Corporation official evicted my shop forcing me to come to Choolaimedu High Road. Now, for more than 30 years, I have been selling bananas using a pushcart. By selling bananas, I would make Rs 200 to Rs 300 per day and this little money is not enough for my wife and myself. We are staying in a rented house. My wife was working as a housemaid and due to illness, she stays at home now. I was receiving an old-age pension from the government until a couple of years ago, when they stopped giving it. Having said that, I have two sons who are auto-drivers. They are married and staying separately. They have their own children to raise. How could they give money to us? I have been asking the officials to resume giving my pension, but they refuse to do so. I would be more grateful if the government gives the old-age pension again.