“I was in my early teens when I moved to Hyderabad in search of a livelihood from my hometown, Kolhapur, in Maharashtra. Until my marriage, I dealt with life one day at a time. I used to do odd jobs for a meagre income and sleep on pavements. I have always been open to my wife’s opinion of educating our children and my wife has changed my perspective on everything.

A few years after our marriage, I left my job and started this roadside shop, continuing our family’s tradition of making Kohlapuri chappals in the Dhoolpet area. Back then, making and selling Kohlapur chappal on the roadside was popular. I spent the majority of my earnings on my children’s education with my wife’s support. I knew nothing about education, hence, she was the one who guided my kids, I have worked hard every single day without a break.

I am a happy man now. This city knows me well and I have grown so fond of this place wherein people are respected regardless of their age and gender.”