"If I have to work, at least I work for my children’s sake."

The original interview was in Marathi. Here is the translation:

Manali: What is your home like? Who all do you live with?

Anonymous: At home, there are my children, my parents, and myself. Also, my old brother, another brother, and a two other brothers stay with us and their families. So it was originally one big room but we have made it into two rooms now. So one of the brothers and his family live in one room and the rest of us in the other room. My children, my parents, my older brother and his three daughters, my other brother and his five children, and my younger brother and his child all stay in my room.

M: All of you stay in one room? (A nods yes) So how many people do you live with? What is the total number?

A: So total, the 6 of us, plus 4 so 10. Then another 5. So 15, and then another 7. So total 22.

M: 22 people in one room? (A: yes)  Are you okay with/ enjoy this living situation? Are you just used to it now?

A: I mean the thing is that there are limited places to stay so we all live together. It is a big space.

M: So it seems like you have had to get used to it (A: Yeah). And to make sure again, you are staying with your parents? (A nods yes). So, is your income the only income in the household? I am not sure if you work elsewhere besides your hours here, so is that the only income or does anyone else work too?

A: So the routine is that when I come home from work, I feed my children. My parents go to work daily. So the other brothers in my room support their families on their own. My salary supports my family, and the other brother in the separate room runs his own household. If I ever need money though, my brothers loan me the money, maybe around 500 or 600 rupees at a time. They help me when needed. I do have to give them that money back later though. I mean any money I borrow from them I have to return.

M : So if you are sick or just tired, do they help watch your kids? And obviously that’s vice versa? You do the same? (A: Yes)

M: So what is your household income? You get two more salaries right? You mentioned your mom and dad?

A: I mean, with my parents working, the household income can be 100 or 200 rupees daily. We use all of that to buy groceries and make food. We are not on the ration system. We operate with this initial money every day. This is how it works in my household regularly.

M: Of the money that comes home daily, how much of it goes towards food?

A: A lot of it because if though we buy everything and have to keep everything ready to eat; it isn’t sufficient. But still, I mean even if we don’t eat all day, we need to eat at least once a day. We can do at least that much.

M: So you get one meal per day and most of the money made daily goes towards getting what’s needed to make dinner and making it at home? (A nods yes)

M: Do you think that giving your children nutritious food is a challenge or do you give them nutritious food?

A: No, it is not possible. I mean give them a meal a day but I can’t give them something like fruits because I simply don’t have that income.

M: I mean providing nutritious foods obviously depends on being able to afford it, is there any other solution to getting them nutritious food or do you think that money is the main and only hurdle you face when trying to provide your children with a healthy diet? What do you think would have or can help provide them with nutritious food?

A: I mean I hope that when they grow up and stand on their own feet they will be healthy. I mean, look, I am alone. My husband doesn’t earn anything nor does he come around to visit, so then it is all up to me. I take care of them and raise them, so I do my best and give them what they need as best as I can.

M: What is the most challenging part of providing food, regardless of nutrition? Is making the cooking challenging or buying the necessary groceries?

A: Making the food.

M: Why?

A: I mean see, when I go home from work either I or someone have to make the food. First we have to buy it, whether that is rice, or chappati, or bhajis (vegetables) then we have to make it. So after we make all this, we have to get everyone together to sit down and eat. Then we all eat.

M: So who makes all the food?

A: Oh my mom makes the food because I come home around 6 in the evening after work so it is hard for me to cook after I get home so this is how things are if I am not home and working. If I am home then I cook.

M: So the others don’t help cook at all? (A: No)

A: My sister in laws are there but they only do house work they don’t help cook.

M: Oh they take care of their own and you focus on your family and children.

M: How long have you been in the place where you stay?

A: Oh at my mom’s? Probably about 7 or 8 years. So at first my husband was around too but he was able to live together with the rest of the family, and he would drink and say disrespectful things, which my mother did not like. He would leave randomly for about 4 days and then come back. Now it has been about 2 years and he hasn’t been back here at all or given any money.

M: At least if he was around to provide additional money, it would have helped you with the problems you have mentioned.

A: Yes it would have helped. I mean it just isn’t enough but if I have to work at least I work for my children’s sake. Maybe at least they will get to eat full meals. I work here and also go on ferri.

M: What is a ferri?

A: I sell masalas in the market.

M: What about your own meals? We know that you make sure your children are fed.

A:  Well, I eat that one main meal with the family in the evening.

M: Okay so you get that one meal at least? (A: Yes, I get to eat once a day)

M: Thanks for this! I think this story needs to be told. People have a lot to learn from you.

A: I am not sure if there is anything to learn from me. I am not well educated and don't do anything remarkable, but if you think people have something to gain from my little story then please share it.