Know how to live long and be happy from a centenarian worker
While many youth and even middle-aged people are worried about life-threatening diseases, a 110-year-old at Tiruvarur district does not remember having ever visited a doctor. He still toils in the fields to eke out a living. "If you work hard, even if you eat stones, they would be digested easily. Then there won't be any need to visit a doctor," the hunch-backed man said.
Rengasamy lives with his 85-year-old wife, Achiammal, at Kuppanampettai hamlet in Valangaiman taluk of Tiruvarur district. The conic hut the couple lives in was donated by Rengasamy's previous employer. Despite his old age, Rengasamy has to toil in the fields of his employer, Chinnadurai, who owns 12 acre of land in the village. Chinnadurai told that he was speechless about the hardworking trait of the man, and he was one of the most trustworthy men.
But what is more important is that he is hale and hearty even today, and plants nurseries at the field for 12 hours continuously. His only married son Soundarajan is also an agricultural labourer, and since he is indisposed, Rengasamy has to extend a helping hand to his family on and off.
Chinnadurai pays Rs 300 for Rengasamy's hard work a day, and raves over the honesty of the man. Whereas others report to work at 7am, Rengasamy comes to the field at six without fail. He is a bit hard of hearing, but his eyesight is bright. Regasamy is the mainstay at Chinnadurai's field these days, and he vows to employ him till he breathes his last, just to reward his honesty and integrity. Rengasamy's sister Rethinavalliammal, who lost her husband 25 years ago, is said to be 108 years old. She too sets out to the field in the morning to graze goats as she does not want to be a burden to her brother.
Chinnadurai vouched that the couple never quarreled, nor complained and they were never jealous of other's wealth. The dalit family may be at the bottom of the caste hierarchy, but they are a living example of how one should live.
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