Slice Of Life: ‘Chennai taught me to stand on my own'

I am originally from Rajapalayam in Madurai. I came to Perungalathur after my marriage in 1990. I have three children -- Manimaran, working in a private firm, Manikandan, an auto driver, and Surya is studying. My husband passed away after a prolonged illness 15 years back. I have been running the family alone after that. In 2002, I opened a vegetable shop on the roadside at Srinivasa Nagar in Perungalathur. I buy vegetables from T Nagar in the Morning and sell them from 5 pm to 10 pm in Perungalathur every day. 

I love my job and I never take leave from it. I choose only freshly arrived vegetables and sell them at a reasonable price. I have regular customers who buy vegetables only from me as I sell only good quality products. I am really grateful to the bakery owner who allows me to set up the shop near his entrance. I have been doing business there for 17 years. Now my only dream in life is for my sons to settle in life. Chennai gave me the chance to stand on my own and I love the city for that. I will continue to do the job as long as I can.