The world of Tzu Chi March 2021 (Vol.132)

TZU CHI 132 35 Rising Above Poverty Against all odds I n Rawang, Selangor, Selvarani a/p Krishnan wakes up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her three children, before harvesting flowers for sale as a living. While his mother is out at work, 16-year-old Elango a/l Gunasegaran would take care of his two younger sisters, supervise their homework and share household chores among them. He would also help his mother prepare lunch, so that when she returns home, she would just need to fry the vegetables and the family could quickly enjoy the meal together. Selvarani’s occupation requires her to be on her feet five hours daily while working outdoors. Consequently, both of her knees are constantly in pain and she once strained her arm nerves. Every time her arm hurts, she would ask her children to help massage it, and would only see the doctor when the pain is unbearable. Elango, who was presented with the Tzu Chi Study Grant’s Filial Piety Award, is an obedient child. Selvarani said that she feels at ease and relieved with Elango by her side. As the eldest son, Elango puts his family first. For instance, he would always Report by Tang Choon Chow Translated by Ten Zhe Xin Photograph by Tan Ken Teik “Mum works so hard for us, I want to relieve her of the burden as soon as possible,” Elango said. “Grandma used to take care of me, now it is my turn to take care of her,” Ng Bou Er remarked. Both teenagers are grateful to their elders who have nurtured them up despite challenging life conditions. During the school holidays, Elango would accompany his mother to harvest flowers. “Mum has gastric, poor eyesight and sometimes headache. I hope she can go home earlier to rest,” Elango said.