Revathi Amma

Revathi amma (name changed for anonymity) is our servant maid and she works in our flat. Her husband used to be the watchman for our flat. He is now not working because of his age. Revathi amma came to Chennai for the education of her son. At first she worked at a politician’s home. Because of the political connection, she got a housing board flat. She has chosen this job out of some compulsions She works in 2-3 flats for monthly salary. My wife, however, has hired her on a contract basis that demands her to work only on Tuesday and Friday. Her job on those days is to clean our home for which she gets Rs 10/day as wages. For a full months work, Revathi amma charges Rs 500, but my wife, being the management expert of our home, didn’t want to commit for a full month.

      Revathi amma usually comes to work around 6’o’clock in the morning and starts her work according to the need of her clients. Food will be provided by owners, so she needs to cook only at nights.  She does not have a good relationship with her husband. Her husband, though currently not in a job, is saving lots of money. How he gets the money, nobody knows. He deposits his savings through his acquaintance who works in a bank. Even that person (the one who helps him) is astounded by the amount of money saved by Revathi amma's husband. Revathi amma’s life is not a very charming one. Her daughter in law sends her out of the house, although Revathi is the owner. Everybody in the flat took pity on her, so they continue to help her a lot. In spite of her difficulties, Revathi amma keeps her life lively. She tours twice a year, with the expenses  being  partly met by her savings and partly by donors. Though her life is difficult, it is not because of money. She has quite a bit of it. She also has all the modern-day gadgets in her home and  her flat may fetch her sufficient amount of money if sold that should be enough for a decent living, but Revathi amma does not want to sell it. We normally think that these people are poor, but they are not. Some of them are richer than their employers. We like to save money to lead a leisurely life, but these people work tirelessly throughout their lives, although money is there with them. Dignity of labour is their password.