I am... Sukumaran S

  • | Wednesday | 22nd March, 2017

I have specialised in easy chairs as they are easy to transport on my scooter. Although most prefer machine made furniture for its polished looks, I still prefer making hand crafted furniture as they have more soul. I have been selling easy chairs by the Kuravankonam-Marappalam road for the last four years. Apart from making furniture, I would do the wood work for doors and windows. It was when my business folded that I started making and selling easy chairs.

Occupation: Easy chair vendor Come, sit on this easy chair. See how comfortable it is? You can fold it up if you do not need it or want to save on space. Practical isn’t it? Especially when space in homes is such a constraint these days? The elderly enjoy watching the world go by from their balconies on these chairs or catch up on their reading. However, one should never leave furniture out in direct sunlight as it can cause cracking of the wood and deterioration of colour. Right now I have just these two chairs left with me. Both are made out of neem wood. The smaller one is ?3,000. By the way, I sold two pieces this morning. I come from a family of carpenters and make these chairs myself. I used to live in a joint family. I dropped out after class three as I had to work to help make ends meet. My father, Suppian, and my uncle Kumara Swamy, trained me in carpentry at the age of nine. I was taught only the basics, like how to use a hammer and a nail, the rest I learnt through keen observation. By the age of 11, I was making side tables, stools, dining tables... I was soon hired for carpentry work at various houses in and around Pettah, where I hail from. Apart from making furniture, I would do the wood work for doors and windows. I work hard for a living. I don’t drink, smoke or spend money on needless stuff. It’s been ages since I have gone for a movie. Why should I when there are movies to choose from on various TV channels? With the money I managed to save up during the years I managed to buy a small plot of land in Malayinkeezh and have built a house. I managed to raise my two children with my income. While my daughter, Asha, is married, my son, Anish, works at VSSC. I started my own carpentry shop at Malayinkeezh and had a few working for me. I did not have a good head for business though and had to wind it up as there were very few takers for hand crafted furniture. I lost quite a lot of money in that venture. It was when my business folded that I started making and selling easy chairs. I have been selling easy chairs by the Kuravankonam-Marappalam road for the last four years. I am here on most days, even Sundays. I take days off when I need to build new chairs or if I need to attend a wedding or a funeral. Although most prefer machine made furniture for its polished looks, I still prefer making hand crafted furniture as they have more soul. You know, many hire carpenters from other States to build their furniture as they feel it’s cheaper. However, when the furniture is ready, they approach us to fine tune the pieces as there will be various problems. But sadly, there are very few traditional carpenters now. To be honest, I am sad that I did not pass on my knowledge to my son. I would love to pass on my knowledge to the younger generation but there are none interested. I am now 56 years old. Starting work at the age of nine has taken a toll on my shoulders and I can’t make the chairs as fast as I once could. I have specialised in easy chairs as they are easy to transport on my scooter. I, however, do make furniture on request. I live in Malayinkeezh with my wife, Sukumari, who is a home maker. Although my son earns well and can look after the both of us I prefer earning my own keep. I am usually here at Kuravankonam at 9.30 am and am here till 6 pm. I go in between for lunch or for a cup of tea to the nearby eateries. After work I go home and relax with my wife in front of the television. I am not a greedy man and am content with what I have. I just want to be able to fend for myself and my wife for as long as possible. (A weekly column on men and women who make Thiruvananthapuram what it is)

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