Kids’ success brings joy to dad
JOHOR BARU: P. Permal harboured an ambition to become a teacher but his dream was dashed due to the struggles of life back then.
Now aged 67, the retired factory manager has no regrets in life after successfully bringing up his four children, including two daughters who are teachers.
Despite the challenges of being a father and the breadwinner in his family, Permal said the struggles proved worthwhile after seeing his children graduate and turn into successful individuals.
“Every father just want to see their children do well in life, and I am proud of my sons and daughters,” he said.
He added that he was overjoyed that his daughters Vithiyah, 34, and Amutha, 30, shared his old interest in the teaching profession.
Permal said his late father P. Periasamy, who was a single father and passed away at the age of 83, had always guided him to achieve success.
“My father struggled to feed my six siblings and I. Although he was not educated and worked only as a school gardener, he would always push us to do better in life.
“He was the source of my inspiration. I strived hard as I did not want my children to suffer the same fate of not being able to obtain a proper education,” he added.
Permal said after retirement, he has learnt to relax and spend quality time with his wife M. Tevaki, 62, and his three grandchildren aged four months, four and five.
“These days, I am a free man and I am just enjoying life, knowing I did the best I could for my family, and that they are all doing well on their own,” he added.