Mending footwear was our family profession but my father Udayar, knowing the hardship of this job, never wanted me to become a cobbler. I became a farm labourer and continued to be so till three decades ago. But, destiny dragged me into this work as farm activities came to a standstill with no rains.
I had to move out of Viralipatti near Batlagundu in pursuit of greener pastures. I pitched my tent here. From that day on I have been leading a life of a nomad.
I struggled a lot during my initial days. But then, I soon went on to earn around Rs 200 a day. I am spending more than 50 per cent of what I earn today towards travel. I reside in Karupayoorani which is 20 km away from the place where I work. I could have stayed nearer but I cannot afford to pay house rent here. Earlier, I had regular customers but now with the arrival of moulded footwear, I only do patch-up work.
I got my only daughter married to a daily-wage labourer. But for my wife, life would have gone haywire. There are days when I feel bad that I do not have a son to depend upon.
I lead a hand-to-mouth existence. Having one square meal a day is luxury for me today. I am 65 now and I live on ration rice donated by people around. With my wife as companion and tools to sustain my life I don’t have too many high hopes.
