Slice of life: ‘My kids should get education and do well for themselves’

Iam a sculptor. My father and grandfather, too, were in this profession. My father was the one who taught me how to sculpt when I was very young. I am not educated, so I took up this profession full time when I was 14. It is a good work. But lately, people do not seem have the money to buy things, so the business is slow. Most of our business comes during Vinayaka Chaturthi. We have made 7-foot-tall figures before for people to take it to the beach. Apart from that, there are always smaller statues that people want to buy from us on the day. My children study in a government school. They do not want to do this business, which is good. Because this is not the work that you can rely on. If they are able to work in a company, they will get enough money for themselves. My daughter is interested in becoming a doctor. The fee is a little worrisome, but if she wants to do it, she should. I cannot stop her. She says she likes it a lot, but she is young so might change her mind later on. My son wants to take up computer engineering. Everyone is focused on computers and all that stuff these days. He is studying in Class 12 now, and he is very busy studying. If he does well. He might get into some top college. I’ll worry about money when it comes to it. I’ll take a loan, or something of that sort. I didn’t get an education, which is why I’m here. They should get it and do well for themselves.