Life Is Beautiful
 “It’s fun! I get to meet and chat with many people. I get a good workout repairing and servicing the cars and that keeps me healthy”, said R. Krishnamurthy, a senior citizen from Taman Medan who is still going strong, working as an automobile workshop mechanic with Selvan Auto Care. EWRF Editorial decided to put him in the spotlight.
The second child from five siblings, Krishnamurthy was born in the year 1938, in an estate near Baling, Kedah. He attained his early education from Abraham School, Sungai Petani, but did not manage to further his studies past Standard 3. “I wasn’t interested in studies! I had a keen interest in repairing automobiles. So, I dropped out”, he said.
After a string of odd jobs, he decided to venture out from Kedah. On May 13 1969, Krishnamurty came to Kuala Lumpur, to attend an interview with Shaw Brother’s. “It was a long train ride from Kedah. I didn’t know KL. I somehow made my way to the company, which was then located at BB Park”. He landed a job as maintenance personnel. He travelled all over Malaysia to do maintenance work for the Shaw Brother’s chain of cinemas.
He was with the company until he was 62 years of age. Then, he decided to go into business. He opened his own automobile repair workshop in Kg. Medan, but things did not go too well with his business. After a two year stint with the venture, he decided to call it quits.
 Now, Krishnamurthy is happy being where he is. “The owner, Mr. Selvan treats me like a father. I get paid about RM 15 a day. My work hours are quite flexible. I enjoy myself here”.
Krishnamurthy is married with three children. His wife, Rukumani is a housewife. His eldest son, Rames is in the advertising field. His second son, Parimalam is involved with production work in ASTRO while Krishnamurthy’s last child, Sowbagialetchumi owns a make up studio. All three children are married. “My children treat me well. In fact, none of them like the idea of me working at this age. They want to take care of me. I don’t like being a burden to others. My wife has been always supportive”, said Krishnamurthy proudly.
Apart from working, Krishnamurty loves to spend time with his family in his home in Kg Medan. He enjoys the company of his grandchildren. Whenever possible, he takes his family for trips around Malaysia.
“I’m satisfied with my life so far. I have no complaints”, he said. Well, let’s just hope that life stays that way for him. Krishnamurthy is living proof that determination is the key to reaching great heights in life, regardless of whatever age. Hence, it is EWRF’s hope that the Indian youth will dare to dream and pursue their dreams in achieving the very best life has to offer.
- By Siddharthan Palanyandi, Editorial Officer, EWRF |
