“My name is Ajay, and I’ve been driving an auto rickshaw in Hyderabad for over 28 years. I start my day at 5 am, when the streets are still empty. I fuel up my auto, check my routes, and set off to pick up my first passengers.

I’ve seen this city grow and change over the years – new buildings, new roads, new faces. As an auto driver, I’ve faced my share of challenges – long hours, heavy traffic, and demanding passengers can be exhausting. But I’ve learned to adapt them with ease. I’ve also had close calls and accidents, but I’ve always managed to come out safe and sound. What many people don’t know is that I also use my free time to raise awareness about TB and support those affected by it. I’ve seen the devastating impact of the disease on families and communities, and I want to do my part to help. I volunteer with organizations that support TB patients’ recovery and wellness, and I’ve helped with awareness programs, volunteering events, and even helped patients get to their medical appointments. I am a TB survivor myself. I was diagnosed with TB during the second phase of the COVID lockdown and underwent treatment for six months. It was a challenging time, but I never gave up. I continued to take treatment and came out of it perfectly cured in a span of six months.

As I look back on my journey, I realize that it’s not just about me or my story. It’s about the people I’ve met, the struggles we’ve faced together, finding hope in the darkest moments and holding onto it with all our might. And it’s about the power of community, the impact we can have when we come together to support each other.”