Chennai: Age is no bar for hard work. R Bavandass (71) does ironing work for the past 43 years on 8th Cross Street, Shenoy Nagar, Chennai, to earn his livelihood.
Speaking to News Today, Bavandass said, “My native is Chunampet village in Cheyyur. My father was running laundry business in my village. His earnings were very low. When I was 20-years-old, I came to Aminjikarai in search of job. I started my life as washerman at Coovum River in Aminjikarai bridge and got Re 1.25 paisa as daily wage. I did it for five years then I worked with my brother who was pressing clothes at Sathya Nagar, Anna Nagar. After three years working with him, I came to Shenoy Nagar, 8th Cross Street to start my own business.”
“Those days, I charged three paisa for pressing shirt and pant each and now, I take Rs 7 for the same. I charge Rs 15 for ordinary saree and Rs 20 for silk saree. Everyday, I buy 5 kilo of coal (Rs 60 per kg) for doing my work. Now, I am earning Rs 700 per day that helps run my family.”
Bavandass, said, “Most of the residents on this stretch are known to me. Many prefer me because of my good work. I am very grateful of all my customers.”
Thanking his wife Lakshmi, he said, “She is very supportive in my work. She goes to every household and collects clothes. She delivers them on time. We start our work at 7.30 am and end the day by 8 pm.”
He can be contacted at 9790738783.