Every person has a story to share. This column puts the spotlight on the people of Chennai, faces we see but rarely interact with — giving a glimpse into their struggle.
Chennai:
N Srinivasan (50), Chat and juice shop owner
I was born and brought up in Chennai and my family has been in Adyar for more than 80 years. I have studied till Class 3 only. I opened a juice shop later. It was difficult to earn a livelihood initially. But my shop is running well now. I have two daughters and two sons. My children have completed their education and are employed in corporate companies. I wanted my children to be self-dependent and therefore, I educated them.
I did not discriminate between my children and wanted my daughter to get equal opportunities as my son. Though my children asked me to discontinue work as they became capable to support the family, I wanted to be self-dependent and thus, continued working in my shop. Around 100 customers come to my shop every day. I get to spend some time with regular customers, and this makes me happy. I have seen the city transform over the years and it has developed in all fields. Transport, education, medical facilities and technological developments have taken place in the city over the past 50 years.
There were fewer sources of employment and fewer means of transport a few years ago. But we have various choices now. I used to have a bicycle earlier but now I own a bike. Even my life has changed over the years. I feel proud to hail from a city that has its own cultural identity and advanced on the other hand.