“I have seen almost everything there is to see. My life has never been smooth and we have come to make peace with it. We are in the business of selling toys so we source our dolls from different artisans of Tamil Nadu. But all the local businesses are getting largely affected with the advent of technology and e-commerce websites. People want to shop from the comfort of their homes, but what about our livelihoods? We also wage battles with other toy makers and sellers in this area. We are not allowed to sell mud dolls since the have the cartel for it and ceramic dolls no longer appeal to the customers. Small business owners like me also face the eternal wrath of bargaining customers, making it difficult for us to make profits. But the show must go on and once the Navratri spirit dies, we carry the dolls to sell in different cities of Tamil Nadu. Through this, we participate in all the thiruvizhas (festivals) of the state. I have come to understand that life’s mug shots carry many lessons in it and through that we have improved a lot in the years. My elder son is studying for a Doctor’s degree and my younger son is about to complete his schooling. We have come a long way from where we were and there’s this brimming hope for a better tomorrow, which keeps us going despite the struggles”

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