Ramabadran, a retired gentleman in his early sixties, was physically active but his mind was full of negative thoughts and his heart was engulfed in depression.
“I worked in a small private company that makes masala powder as a floor supervisor. At the time of my retirement I received Rs. 1 lakh. I spent that money on my son’s marriage. I don’t have any savings. My son and his wife are both employed. My wife and I are living with them. Now life has become a burden,” said Ramabadran in a voice tinged with sorrow.

I asked him, “It is a joy for parents to see that their children are happy and prosperous. What makes you feel so sad?”

He explained, “I am very happy about it. But, there are many other issues. Even though I am retired, old and do not go out often, I too need some money to meet personal expenses. Even for a rupee I depend on my son. This creates very uncomfortable situations. Last week I wanted to take my wife to a free Bharata Natyam program. We needed Rs.200 for auto fare. My wife has some problem with her knees. She would find it difficult to walk or travel in bus. When I requested my son on whose education, growth and marriage I have spent all my savings, he asked me to talk to my daughter-in-law. She suggested that I could watch similar programs on Television. When I pressed the matter she said that I did not understand the value of money. After making a big fuss, she gave me Rs. 50 and asked me to go by bus. When I referred the matter to my son, he was proud to have a practical wife and was sorry to have irresponsible parents. My wife and I have decided to give up all such desires to avoid humiliation.”

“How do you spend your time?” I asked him. “We spend our time in doing household work, watching Television and talking about the past. What else can we do? ” he replied.

“You have worked in a company that manufacture powder that are used in cooking. Thousands of families prefer handmade powders to machine-made powders. I believe you know all the retailers in this town. Why don’t you think of making some powder, pack them and sell them through these retailers? You have the required knowledge and important know-how of the marketing process. It may not make you rich. But, certainly you can earn a few thousand rupees a month. When you depend on yourself and start making money, your lost prestige will immediately be restored,” I said.

There was a spark in his eyes. He said, “Believe this or not. This morning my wife told our daughter-in-law to give our weak grandson breakfast made with homemade powder instead of machine-made, she said she did not know how to prepare them. My wife said she knew how to prepare many different types of powder. She said she would prepare the items in bulk and store them in plastic containers so that my grandson would eat healthy homemade food. Our daughter-in-law who disagrees with us on every issue under the Sun, happily agreed to this proposal. Perhaps, we can sell such items. I don’t want to sell products that compete with my old employer through the contacts I made when I was an employee of that company.”

I told him, “That’s a wonderful idea. I am sure your son and daughter-in-law will encourage you and perhaps may even help you as the project will generate income.”

Almost after a year, Ramabadran contacted me. "Taking up self-employment is the best decision I have ever made in my life," he said and continued, “Even though I started the business to make some pocket money, I have earned unexpected bonuses. In the beginning my wife and I worked together for hours in preparing the products and packing them. I have never spent so much of time with my wife in the past. I understood the joy of companionship and was able to appreciate her inner beauty. Every day I used to ride on my bicycle to distribute my products. I gained many new friends and countless acquaintances. In the process I became physically, mentally and socially very active. When I started to earn more than I originally aspired for, I have hired two delivery assistants and discovered the joy of being an employer. I earn more than Rs.8,000 a month. Now and then I am able to buy nice gifts for my son and his family and there are no words to describe my feelings.”