but rather by recognizing and appreciating what we do have. Mr. Ventakesh accepted this adage sincerely, and gladly accepted the job as a security guard. Life, as he says, has been a blessing in more ways than he ever dreamt of. Excerpts from the chat:

Q: Tell us something about your childhood:

A: My childhood was not as easy and mischievous as we all dream of. I don’t remember any good moments than a few instances of playing with school friends. The grip of poverty was getting tougher and tougher everyday. So, I had to devote more time to support my family than to do well at studies. My poor results in academics adequately discouraged me to quit
going to school. And that happened after 7th standard. Soon, I realized the importance of education but it was too late turn back.

Q: What do you miss the most about your childhood?

A: The days spent with my childhood friends, playing and fighting over trivial issues, making
gangs and bullying others in the village. And good days at school are the things I miss the most about my childhood.

Q: What did you want to become as a child and as an adolescent?

A: As a child I wanted to do some kind of business so that I could earn good money to run my family. But fate had something else in store for me.

Q: Do you now think that you are in the right job?

A: Not satisfied with money I get in this job but feel good when I realize that I am earning something and helping my family well for their survival.

Q: What do you like/ dislike about your job?

A: Standing at the same place for hours is difficult. When you have to repeat it everyday, the difficulty also multiplies. Otherwise the job is as normal as any other job.

Q: How do you pass time?

A: At work I pass time by talking to people who pass by, reading newspaper, or just take rest on the chair. At home I help my wife and spend time with my children.

Q: What made you join this job?

A: As I have not even completed matriculation, I think there was no better job than taking care of something as a security guard, and earn my living in a decent manner.

Q: Your aim in life?

A: It’s too late to have an aim for myself. I have now dedicated my life to my children. To provide quality education to them is my only aim in life.

Q: Any role-model you have looked up to?

A: No role-model as such. But, often, people who do not care for themselves and help others touch my heart. I learn a lot from them.

Q: Unforgettable, difficult and happiest moments in life ?

My teenage days of difficulty will be the most unforgettable moments in my life. A few years of being without a job and feeling of worthlessness will also be the hard but memorable
days of my life.
- The happiest time was when built a house here with my earnings. I felt incredibly happy to know that I have succeeded providing shelter to my family with my hard-earned
money.

Q: What makes you happy/ angry?

A: I am a very cheerful person by nature (giggles). So I am in a good mood always. But sometimes I feel annoyed when students do not follow the rules.

Q: Biggest dilemma in life.

A: Those days of idleness have gone, and now my only dilemma is how to provide good education and opportunities to my children.