Humans of Purva

Live in the moment!

“Live in the moment!” Thilaka exclaims with a sparkle in her eyes.

“I used to obsess about the future. But life is unpredictable, and if we don’t count on our blessings today, we might miss out on them.

My mother taught me that, like most things in life. She is my anchor– even today.

Growing up with two sisters, we didn’t have much as a family - a regressive belief that women don’t need higher education and a desperation to make ends meet. I loved to learn, and my mother knew this. She fought the toughest battle of her life to watch me earn my degree, the first in generations.

I don’t know where I would be without her. Everything good in me is her.Today, I never turn my back on someone struggling; I never go back on my word.

My mother didn’t have a formal education. She learnt to read from the creased books that my father brought home and picked up math from her tailoring shop.

On cloudy days when I don’t feel strong enough, I think of her, and I feel like I can take on anything.

At 76, she is a ray of sunshine for my daughters. She insists on doing her chores on her own. When I check in with her, she quips with a smile – “Kayi kaalu ulla varekyum naan pannaren.” (I will do it as long as my hands and legs let me)

Thilakavathi S. is the Dy. General Manager, Finance, Puravankara Limited. Every day, she brings the same infectious energy and strong ethic to Puravankara that she did 17 years ago.

Ask Samuel

“Some of the best memories from my childhood were created outside the classroom. I would spend hours playing with my friends and exploring the world around me. Back then, we felt invincible.

We were a family of nine. Our parents always tried to shield us from hardships and instilled this unshakable belief that – ‘Ellaam seriaidum (everything gets better).’

I stood by that- while juggling odd jobs in my early twenties and through the loss of my beloved parents.

In 1998, I came across a job for an administrative role in a real estate company. I promptly took it up and have not looked back since.

When I became a father, I vowed to build a better life for my children. The sky is the limit for their aspirations. While they don’t need my advice (as they often remind me), I always tell them – ellaroidum anbaga irukkanam (be kind to everyone).”

A misty-eyed Samuel concludes, “I am grateful for the life I have; my family has never gone to bed without a meal. And in a job that has given me so many things, I have made friends for life.”

Samuel D. is an administrative assistant at Puravankara Limited. Through 23 years of dedicated service, he has become an invaluable presence in the Purva family.

Ask Samuel if you need to get a job done well.

A world of kindness

“Chin up and keep moving forward,” says Sudhakar as he fondly thinks of his son and the future.

“My brother and I were raised in a home that brimmed with love and acceptance.

Amma was a gentle soul. Appa, a former IPS officer, was a man of principle and led by example. Anyone who approached him with hardship was immediately met with kindness.

There wasn’t a challenge that could wear down the smile of my old man.

He always encouraged us to be ready for an adventure. I carried that spirit with me, especially in college. Right from national-level tennis tournaments to NCC, it was an absolute thrill.

While it wasn’t a renowned institute, that place had a heart- genuinely kind peers and professors. It was life-changing. I still visit my alma mater every year on Republic Day.

It is a pleasant reminder that life becomes easier when you surround yourself with compassionate people. It has kept me going, and I hope the same for my son.”

About Sudhakar

Sudhakar M. D. is the Senior General Manager of Operations in Puravankara Limited. He often jovially remarks that he was destined to work here because he and the company were born in 1975. Throughout his 17 years of service, Sudhakar has been a constant smiling presence and our anchor.

Two Worlds

“My parents migrated from Lahore during the partition. They had to build everything from the ground up.

My father took charge of my uncle’s business in Kerala. Sikka Saheb – that’s what he was known as.

He was an honest man, dedicated to his wife and 6 children. All his life, he tried to give us a life that he could never dream of.

I often think of the time when my father took us all to Chalakudy dam in his shiny, white ambassador car. My mother had packed delicious biriyani.We would jump into the icy waters and come running back to mummy and her warm biriyani. Nothing comes close to the happiness that we felt then.

Our childhood wasn’t always easy. Sometimes, the inherent differences in culture made it difficult, especially back then, to get along or make friendships. But I am grateful that I had my siblings by my side, especially my didi. We were each other’s rock.

When I grew up, I promised myself that I would never let my past hold me back. And with faith as my anchor, I believe that I can overcome anything. I come from two worlds - one where an immigrant family had to rebuild themselves, and the other of a little girl who never gave up.”

About Sapna Sikka

Sapna Sikka is a Deputy Manager for Guest Relations and Administration at Puravankara Limited. Through 16+ years of service, Sapna has thrived in her role and is a trusted colleague and friend for many.