“If you look at my hands, you can trace seven decades of non-stop work. From sunrise to sunset, I’ve never known what it means to sit idle. Back in Yenagandula, my village near Jangaon, I worked as a tenant farmer, ploughed fields, tended to crops, looked after livestock and carried loads. I did all kinds of work to earn a living. For the past twenty years, I have also been coming to Tank Bund in Hyderabad, where I sell bhel from a cart on the pavement near the Kandukuri Veeresalingam Statue.
I live with my wife in a rented house near Indira Park road beside NTR Stadium. Whenever I need to visit my village, I take a train to Jangaon and then a local bus to Yenagandula. Life at home has brought its share of difficulties, too. My son struggled with drinking, and our family went through difficult times. This year, on August 2, we lost him after his health deteriorated. Both my daughters are married and settled with their families, while my wife works as a daily labourer whenever her health permits.
Years ago, I was hit by vehicles on two separate occasions while crossing roads in Hyderabad. I was fortunate to survive both accidents. There have been many difficult moments in my life, but I have always had to get back to work. The family still needs to eat, the rent needs to be paid and everyday expenses keep coming.
With prices rising, managing the household has become harder. The government pension helps, but it is not enough to cover everything. So I continue selling bhel and doing what I can to support my family. Those who stop at my cart and buy something help me earn my daily living. Every customer makes a difference when you depend on what you earn each day. It feels good to know that people are willing to support someone like me.
I have spent most of my life working, and I still have responsibilities to take care of. There have been losses and setbacks along the way, but I cannot sit at home worrying about what has happened. I have to keep going and do what I can each day. As long as my hands and legs allow me to work, I will continue. That is how I have lived all these years, and I still have hope for the days ahead.”
- Krishna, Street Vendor