Anjalai, 70 and going strong

For 70–year-old Anjalai, selling fish is more than a job. It has been a part of her life since she was a teenager. Anjalai, who sells fish at the ‘Periya’ (big) fish market in Puducherry, started the business with her father at the age of 14 and continued with her husband. A mother of four, now she sells the fish captured by her sons. She currently lives with her elder son and grandsons. She comes each day to the market at 3 am. Even a full day’s work doesn’t tire her. “Life as a fish seller gives me happiness,” says a happy Anjalai who seems fully satisfied with her job. She likes to continue the tradition that she is following from childhood. While men in the community go to the sea for fishing, it is the women who sell them in the market and bring profit home.

On asking her about her experience, she smiles and says ‘romba santhosham’ (I am very happy). Many local fish sellers come to the Periya market early in the morning to buy fish for retail. Anjalai mainly sells fish to them.  

Even though they seem satisfied with their work, the fisher folk here are facing numerous socio-economic problems. Most of their children are deprived of formal education. Anjalai told us that most of them don’t send their children to school as they prefer to teach them the traditional skill of fishing.