My native is Madurai and I moved to Chennai with my mother when I was a child. We lived in Saidapet and shifted to Pallikaranai. My relatives live at our house in Pallikaranai now and I left home nearly 25 years ago. I don’t want to go to my house. Currently, I am living on a platform in Kodambakkam. I have a son and he is a car driver in Virudhunagar.

Three years ago, when I was sleeping on the platform, an unknown vehicle ran over my leg and I am still limping. I collect waste whenever pain is low. I would get at least Rs 100 per day and manage to live with that. On days, when I could not go rag picking, some people provide me with food and little money. There are some people who regularly provide me food.

Several years ago, I was rescued by Chennai Corporation officials and sent to a night shelter. But they released me after a year. After that, I returned to the platform again. I come to Chetpet from Kodambakkam every day and sit on the railway bridge. Sitting on the bridge has become my routine.