About the Worker
“From village life to city work, I built my livelihood wall by wall as a painter in Bengaluru.”
Painter | Skilled Worker | Bengaluru
Journey of Hard Work
My name is Chandrashekar, and I was born and brought up in a small village in Tamil Nadu. Life was simple back then—just me, my parents, and the small world around us. I was their only child, and my childhood was filled with laughter, games, and long days spent with friends in the village streets and fields.
Every morning, I walked nearly three kilometers to reach my school. It was not easy, but at that time even that long walk felt like an adventure. I studied until the 6th standard, but after that, life changed.
Poverty hit our family hard. My father did not have a steady job, and we struggled to survive. That was when I decided to take responsibility at a young age. With the support of my father’s brother and my cousin, I left my village and moved to Bengaluru in search of work.
In the city, I began working under a head painter as an assistant. The work was tough, but I was determined to learn. Slowly, I understood the craft of painting—brush by brush, wall by wall. Over time, I became skilled and confident in my work.
After a few years, I was able to bring my parents to live with me in Bengaluru. That was one of the proudest moments of my life—seeing them safe, happy, and living with me in the city.
Later, I got married. My wife is a kind and hardworking woman who works as a maid. Together, we built our small home and raised our family. We have two children, and both of them are studying now. Whenever I watch them go to school, I feel like I am living my unfinished dream through them.
A few years later, my father passed away. His loss still hurts, but I continue moving forward, carrying the lessons and strength he gave me.
Today, I continue my work as a painter in Bengaluru. In my free time, I scroll through Facebook, watch videos, and make online payments—small changes that show how life has moved forward with time.
From being a barefoot village boy walking miles to school, to becoming a skilled worker standing strong in the city—my journey has not been easy. But every struggle has shaped me into who I am today.
Watch the Story
Pro5-hindi.mp4Pro5-kannada.mp4Pro5-tamil.mp4