“When did I first start sewing? Well, it’s a funny story indeed. My father was not in the village for one-week but I dared to take up their orders without my parent’s knowledge at the age of 9. I had managed to stitch the clothes perfectly and earned 2 rupees for my efforts. That was the most satisfying moment in my life.

As a beginner, the first thing you learn in this job is to stitch the shirt’s buttonhole. I used to practice stitching for hours in the evening once the shop was closed and it had to lead me to run my tailoring shop for more than 57 years. Here, did you see this machine? It is a Singer-38 machine which is 100 years old.

Having spent over four decades in this profession, I have seen many trends come and go. Earlier, bell bottoms, sweaters, and bobby collars were the trend but people nowadays want me to stitch slim-fit trousers and collarless shirts (laughs).

We have practiced this profession for the last four generations but my children are a little hesitant to take it up. I have asked him to join me and continue this legacy but they have other aspirations. What can I do! I can’t force them right? Let’s see what God has in store for us in the future.”