Slice of Life: I have struggled to provide education to my children

I have been selling fruits in a tricycle for more than three years in the city. I visit all the streets in Choolaimedu and nearby areas to sell fruits. Prior to this, I was doing centring work. However, I had to leave the job due to age-related problems. I could not do hard labour as I did during my young days. I start my day at 4 am daily. 

I visit the Koyambedu wholesale market to procure fruits from wholesale sellers. I leave from there around 7 am and come to Choolaimedu. I eat hotel food for breakfast, but my son would bring me lunch from home. I return home after 8 pm. Even though I work for more than 14 hours, I am living my life with dignity. I don’t take holidays. 

My wife is working as a housemaid and she earns a little. I could not study beyond Class 3 and I came to Chennai from my native village in Villupuram in 1990 soon after my marriage. Even though, my wife and I could not get proper education, we struggled to provide good education to my children. My two daughters and a son studied well and are working now.