Slice Of Life: ‘I sell juices but aspire to join police force one day’

Chennai

I came to Chennai in 2014. A few months ago, I started to sell aloe vera juice. I completed Class 12 in 2009 from Villupuram and was unemployed for a few months. I started preparing for Tamil Nadu Uniformed Service Recruitment Board (TNUSRB) examination and missed the seat by one mark. After that, in 2014, I came to the city in search of a job. However, I attempted TNUSRB examination again. But I lost the seat again by a few marks. As life in the city is becoming expensive, I wanted to do something so that I can afford my stay while I was preparing to appear for the exam a third time. In 2016, I started working as a cashier attached to a popular juice chain in the city. I began to see people spend so much money for a glass of juice. That was when I decided to set up a shop of my own with indigenous fruits, and educate people of its benefits. I just do not sell the juice, but also try to inform and educate people on the health benefits of aloe vera. Though the availability of aloe vera is limited to very few places in Chennai, it is beneficial for health. On the other hand, it is highly priced in the market. I sell aloe vera juice for Rs 25. I buy the produce from Koyambedu market in the morning and sell juice from 9 am to 5 pm near Gengu Reddy subway. Simultaneously, I am preparing for the police exam during the evenings. I hope to clear the exam this year.