New Delhi: The story of a mother living in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu has gone viral on the internet. S Petchiammal is a 57-year-old mother from Tamil Nadu, who, in order to nurture and protect her daughter, spent more than 30 years disguised as a man.
Petchiammal got married when she was 20 years old. However, her husband passed away just 15 days after her marriage. Soon after, she gave birth to a girl, and in order to raise, Petchiammal had to work.
However, people did not treat her well, because of which she decided to change her identity and disguise herself as a man. Petchiammal decided not to remarry for the sake of her daughter's future.
According to ABP Majha sources, Pechiammal's name in official documents is Muthu Kumar.
For several years, Pechiammal worked in hotels and dhabas in Chennai and Thoothukudi. She then started a tea and paratha shop, and came to be known as Muthu Master. Her decision to change her identity and disguise as a man was challenging. Yet, she fought hard to secure her daughter's future.
Though she had to sit on the men's seats in the bus and use the men's toilet, Petchiammal endured all this for the sake of her daughter
“We resettled at Kattunayakkanpatti over 20 years ago. Only my close relatives back home and my daughter knew that I am a woman,” she said in an interview to The New Indian Express.
Petchiammal said that wherever she worked, she was called ‘Annachi’, which is a traditional name for a male.
"I did all kinds of jobs, from working as a painter, tea master, parotta master to 100-day work. I saved every penny to ensure a safe and secure life for my daughter, she said.
Petchiammal added that Muthu turned out to be her identity, and that it was mentioned on all documents, including Aadhaar, Voter ID, and bank account.
Though Patchiammal's daughter, Shanmugasundari, is now married, the 57-year-old is not ready to change her attire.
Petchiammal said that since her alternate identity ensured a safe life for her daughter, she wants to remain ‘Muthu’ till her death.