Slice Of Life: ‘I regret not knowing the importance of education’

Chennai

I come from Theni. Eight years ago, after I got married, I moved to Chennai with my wife. We came here in search of a better livelihood. Before our wedding, I was travelling around and selling clothes. Now that I have a family, I am unable to do so. That is when I started to think of a business that I can do from the city. That way I would get to spend time with the family, too. Hence, I started to sell lunch bags and hand bags made out of jute on the platform. Initially, the business was good. But due to the increasing popularity of online retail sales, I lost my business gradually. I could have made a profit if I knew how to sell my bags online. After I finished Class 10, I dropped out of school. I can’t blame anyone else but me for that. I quit school owing to my lack of interest to study further. My grandfather has 17 grandchildren and all of them are well educated and are in good positions. I am the only exception. My parents were running a grocery shop in my native and they were ready to educate me. I did not realise the value of education then. But, now, I regret not knowing its importance. I have two daughters and the elder one is studying in Class 2. The jute bag business alone is not enough to meet the financial needs of my family. I am looking for another business idea or a job that can keep us floating throughout the month. I know a little bit of English and studied till Class 10. I am ready to take up any job that will suit my needs.