“I still remember the day my life took an unexpected turn due to my early marriage at the age of 11. Suddenly, I was responsible for building a life with someone else, and my childhood was cut short. I had to leave school after the 2nd grade, but I never regretted that choice. Instead, I found solace in farming in our village, which became my passion.

My goal was clear: to support my family and ensure my children could stand on their own. However, when I moved to Hyderabad city 35 years back along with my husband, I started to look for some other work to get going. I reside in Hayath Nagar and every day I travel up and down by RTC bus early in the morning to attend my work at Abids zone. I started working at GHMC as a sweeper, earning a monthly pay. It wasn’t easy initially with low wages, but I chose to sweep streets and collect trash to have a steady income. I have to work in all weather conditions, even more in heavy rains, braving the downpour to keep the city clean. 22 years have passed as I worked as a sanitation worker, and I’ve seen it all – from people’s complaints to the pandemic’s challenges. But I’ve learned to appreciate what I have and remind myself that our hard work speaks louder than rude words. During the pandemic, we GHMC workers kept Hyderabad running, and people finally appreciated our efforts. I firmly believe that no job is too small; what truly matters is our dedication and hard work until spirit. Moreover, it’s always good to have a back-up working plan to provide to the family in this fast-paced era.

As I look back, I want the younger generation to know the value of financial management and also appreciating what they have. My story may not be perfect, but it’s mine, and I’m proud of who I am today – a simple yet independent woman who will continue to work with dignity, as long as my body permits, and inspire others to do the same.”