Heart and Soul: Prudent ways of yesteryear

The writer as a young man in 1965. Photos: Thiagan Mathiaparanam

Life during the 1950s and 60s is incomparable to what it's like now. The standard of living has improved by leaps and bounds. During my childhood days, it was a constant struggle for most parents to put food on the table.

Digging deep into the recesses of my memory, I would like to trace back some of the basic prudent measures that were practised in my home, to survive. To make ends meet, mum, who could play the harmonium (which is still in good condition) and violin well, would give lessons in carnatic music to the music-loving children in the neighbourhood.

Dad, having green fingers, would plant a great variety of vegetables in the ample backyard. During our schooldays, there was no book aid for students. So, as soon as the book list was out, besides those received from our elders, we would quickly do some networking to get as many as possible of the remaining textbooks from seniors at half price.