I hail from a family of farmers. We are originally from Gingee, I was born and raised there. Being the youngest in a family of five, I was pampered a lot. My father didn’t want us to continue in agriculture, as it meant a long hours of work in the sun. Instead, he wanted all of us to be educated.

My sister and one brother did well in studies. But I didn’t continue beyond Class 8. But my father didn’t give up and made me join tailoring classes.

I didn’t pursue that too with much interest. I moved to Chennai in 2002, after marriage. I am employed as domestic help in a house nearby. I begin work around 10 in the morning and return by around 7 pm. My husband is a photographer and is also employed at another office to ensure we have a steady income. We have two sons — both are in Ramakrishna Mission school and are doing well in studies. We work very hard to give our boys a good life. I want them to excel in studies.

All my hopes are pinned on our older son who is in Class 11. His success will ensure that we lead a comfortable life — similar to what my father had imagined for me and my brothers and sister.

I still regret not taking my studies seriously.