“I’m turning 70 this year. I’m from Palakurthi, a small town in Jangaon district. Life was different back then. We had five acres of land, and we grew cotton and paddy. That was our life. I worked hard to raise my two sons. I wanted them to study and build their future. They both graduated and now run a trolley business. They help me whenever I need it, but I like coming here and doing my work. It keeps me moving.

I’ve been here on Tank Bund for almost 30 years now. Every day, from 10 in the morning to 10 at night, I stand near the Kandukuri Veeresalingam Panthulu statue. When I started selling bhel, it was just 2 rupees a plate. Now it’s 20 and 30 rupees. The cost of living has gone up so much—especially rent. But Hyderabad is a good city. If you’re ready to work, you’ll always find something to do.

The best part of my work is the people I meet. Many customers have become friends over the years. They stop by not just to eat but to talk. I like listening to their stories. It’s nice when people take time to talk. Things were different back in the day. People sat together and played outside. Now, everyone’s on their phones. Even kids don’t play like they used to.

I’ve never used a smartphone. I don’t know how to, and I don’t think I need it. I have my friends here, and we talk face-to-face. That’s enough for me. Life changes, but as long as you’re willing to work and stay honest, you’ll get through anything. And until I have the strength, I’ll keep working. This is what I know, and this is what I’ll keep doing.”

• Ram Chandrayya, Street Vendor at Tankbund