My husband, Radhakrishnan Nair, was in the newspaper delivery business for 40 years. When he was diagnosed with cancer, I began helping him sort the newspaper supplements. He also pointed out the houses he delivered papers to. I took over his job three years ago when he died.
My day starts at 3.30 a.m. when I catch a bus from Anayara, where I live, to Pallimukku. Earlier, I used to walk from Anayara to Pallimukku as there were no buses to the place at that time. By 4 a.m. I am busy sorting the various newspapers. I have three men who assist me but they come only by 5 a.m. They help distribute the newspapers to places in and around Shanghumughom, Vettukad and Anayara. I do the paper route around the Pallimukku-Palkulangara area. As I don’t have a vehicle, and as hiring an auto to help with the rounds is expensive, I walk and deliver the papers.
Although it is taxing, especially when it rains, I do it and I don’t mind doing it; walking keeps me fit. I do get nervous when I sometimes see packs of ferocious looking dogs on the roads or when I realise I am the only one on the road at that time of day. Faith that God and my husband are watching over me keeps me going. Most places I go, people recognise and greet me. Some are in awe as I am perhaps the only woman newspaper agent in the city and that I travel on foot to deliver the newspapers. Many have asked me why I don’t get a two wheeler to help me with the rounds. I guess, I am scared. I am 51 years old and feel it’s too late to learn how to ride one. Besides, what if I fall and injure myself? Who will deliver the papers then? I cannot afford to fall sick.
I usually finish my route by 8 a.m., head home, have a quick breakfast, and then set out again to collect and make various payments. When my assistants are on leave or fail to turn up, I do their paper rounds too. By 3 p.m., I am home. I supplement my income by holding tuition classes for children up to class seven. The time spent with these kids helps me forget my troubles.
As I did not have the means to further my studies when I was young, I worked hard to ensure my children had a good education. My eldest daughter has a masters in English Literature and the younger one a Bachelor’s degree in economics. Both are married and are settled in life. I had taken a mortgage on the house when my husband was ill. As I am struggling to repay it, money is tight. For entertainment I do watch television, but only the news. I dislike watching serials and movies. I hope to be able to repay the mortgage amount soon. Only then will I be free and be able to truly relax, and perhaps enjoy the rest of my days.
(A weekly column about men and women who make Thiruvananthapuram what it is)
