Weaving a sorry tale in Kancheepuram
The case of Shanmughanathan is different. His daughter Rajeswari could study up to Plus 2 only because Amma gave her free books, and also a cycle to go to school. "My daughter scored 65 per cent in Plus 2 and wanted to go to college but I couldn't afford to send her. Now, she works as a maid." There were tears in the father's eyes when he said this.
Jayakumar's daughter Nalini has just given her Plus 2 exam. His son Sudarshan is studying for Plus 2. Both of them proudly showed the cycles they got through Amma's scheme.
"I got 75 per cent in Plus 1, and I want to go to college and study BCom. I wish Amma helps the college education of poor students like us." There was a wistful look in her eyes as she said this.
Sudarshan wants to be a chartered accountant but his father Jayakumar had no idea how he was going to fulfill the dreams of his two children. "I am an illiterate. I want my children to study but the truth is I can't afford to send them to college.
In the market, a Kancheepuram silk sari may cost thousands and thousands of rupees and all the silk sari shops are crowded with people all the time but it is a pity that weavers like Jayakumar and Shanmugham who create those beautiful saris cannot even afford the education of their children.
Also See: Thalaivar on a sticky wicket