Slice of Life: ‘I have no ambitions, just want to take care of my family’

Chennai

My father, who used to work with a travel company, died of an illness when I was in Class 8. He was the sole bread winner of the family so after his death, I had to give up my education and find a job. Work was difficult for me as I had developed polio when I was 18 months old. My legs were affected and I had to walk with the help of a walking stick. I got through a leather factory that manufactured purses and worked there for more than 15 years. Then, because of market slowdown, I lost my job. Then, I started to sell fancy and plastic items on a platform but could not earn enough so I thought of driving an auto-rickshaw. But auto-drivers in my area hesitated to teach me because of my disability. I, however, was stubborn and pledged some gold to buy an auto-rickshaw in 2003 and learned how to drive it in a playground in Thiru Vi Ka Nagar. Now, I do not earn a lot, but it is sufficient to feed my family. My elder son is in Class 5 and my daughter is in Class 1. My younger son is now 18 months old. We live in a rented house. I do not have any ambitions and all I want is to provide for my family. Also, I do not want to pressurise my children into picking a certain profession. They will choose their own careers.