“I always wanted to make a life for myself but unfortunately, I didn’t have the means to go to school. The financial burden at home was too much, and my father couldn’t bear it alone. That resulted in my early marriage at the young age of 14. My husband used to work in the coal factory while I would take care of the house. The initial few years went by smoothly, but as time went by, he had to work extra shifts which largely impacted his health. Sometimes, he would drink heavily, then come home and vent out all his frustration at us. That’s when I decided that I would do everything I possibly could to get my family out of that situation. It was a difficult phase, but it’s also the time during which I had to step up and look after my family. So I kicked the negative thoughts out, and over the next few years, I took up any work I could find until I eventually began working in the fields. Every morning, I wake up early, cook for my family, and report to work by 8 am. I still can’t believe it’s been 10 years since I started working in the fields! I have seen many highs and lows but I will not leave farming as it has certainly made me feel content and strong. My husband recently promised to give up alcohol and start working again to his best capacity. I don’t know if he’ll live up to his promise, but I have made sure that I’m not reliant on him financially. I just hope he will be able to do it, if not for me, at least for our kids. Till then, I will continue to work hard and be proud of my grit as a farmer!”

#NationalFarmersDay #Farmer #Womenpower #Independent #Family #Responsibility #DomesticAbuse #Strength #Support #Journey #Life #empowerment #Hyderabad #HumansofHyderabad