Slice of Life: ‘Now, people are aware of benefits of using clay ware’

Chennai

Hailing from Kancheepuram, I studied up to Class 8. My first job was at a private hospital, where I used to work as a stretcher-bearer. But even after 10 years of service, I was getting a monthly salary of only Rs 1,500. After I got married, that money became insufficient to run the family. That is when I started selling clay pots about 10 years ago. I got the contacts of some clay pot sellers through my friends. With their help, I started the business on Gandhi Road in Chinna Kancheepuram. I buy pots and other items made of clay from the makers themselves who are based in the villages in Kancheepuram like Kalathur, Vthiyur, Avlur, and Perungalipakkam. I personally go for every purchase and check and hand-pick them myself to ensure quality. They in turn provided me the best quality of pots. My shop will be open every day from 7.30 am to 9 pm. I have many regular customers who come to my shop. Not only pots, all the things that are made of clay are available in my shop. In the recent days, after being aware of the advantages of using wares made of clay – thanks to television and social media – many among the public have begun buying them. Many are now buying water containers, too. So my business has picked up. I would like to encourage all people, especially the youth, to use clay pots and other items made of clay because they do not cause any harm to their health. I am happy with my life now and would like to continue it forever.