“I am 75 years old, and I still go to work every day. My day starts at 5:30 in the morning. I begin by milking our buffaloes. Earlier, I used to sell a few litres to the local milk supplier. Now, I don’t do that anymore. I milk only for my family.

Farming is my livelihood. I work on our two-acre land. The income is meagre, but it is enough to run the household. I have never stayed idle in my life. Even today, keeping the body active is important to me. Work gives structure to my day.

At this stage of life, I don’t have big goals. I follow my routine, eat on time, and rest when needed. That is enough.
I have two children. They spend most of their time working in the city, but once in three months, they return to the village with my grandchildren. They know about our village and the life here.

I share a close bond with my grandchildren. I take them to the fields and show them how village life works. I teach them what I know. They teach me about city life and new things. I notice how easily they get distracted by phones. I tell them that technology is useful, but moving the body and playing outside is equally important.
In the village, life keeps moving through work, friendships, and nature. No one stays idle for long.

As long as I can work and stay active, I feel life is going the way it should.”

Ramulu, farmer from Siddipet district