“I have been making a living as a full-time potter for 30 years now. I entered this profession when I was 15. Belonging to the potter’s community, I was firm on my decision to continue this profession and follow in my parent’s footsteps. Although I have learnt the intricacies of the art of pottery making from my parents, I decided to join a training course at Horsley Hills in my hometown Chittoor, after class 10 to hone my skills.

I mastered making all kinds of earthenware of clay. Right now, due to the festive season, there is a demand for these coloured vases. There’s also a great demand for earthen cooking vessels too in the market. Not only are these vessels relatively inexpensive and beautiful to look at, but customers also say the food, especially chicken and fish curries and biriyani; taste better when prepared in these vessels.

People expect new, innovative and lightweight varieties so we are constantly upgrading our making process. I go to various exhibitions in India where I set up my stall. My day here starts at 8 a.m. and ends by 6 p.m. My wife is also a potter. She does flower pots, earthen lamps and bottles.

The clay we use comes from Horsley Hills near Madanapalle in Chittoor District. Every three months, I go there to bring new stock. My daughter and son are pursuing their higher studies and wouldn’t wish to continue our community profession. In a way, I feel bad about it but I wish to train more youngsters in the future who are interested to learn the skill of pottery.”