“Would you like to taste freshly roasted corn with lemon and salt rubbed on top? Have it, brother. It’s only 10 rupees per corn.

I come from a small village called Madhapuram in the Yadadri Bhongir district. I am married with two children, a girl and a boy. I travel 60 km up and down every day, selling seasonal vegetables and fruits here in the city.

I have been a businesswoman for 10 years now. Before that, I was a housewife. I took up this job because I want to support my family. I enjoy my job, to be honest.

My day starts at 7 and ends at about 8 or 9 in the evening. The vegetables and fruits are brought by tempo trucks that come from outside Hyderabad and we buy them and sell them for a profit of 1 or 2 rupees for our survival.

I want my children to be well provided for and this job helps me to fulfil that dream. I am an extrovert and I behave in a friendly and pleasant manner with my customers. Every kind of customer, from students, families, working professionals come here to buy vegetables and fruits as the Kushaiguda market is the centre. When it comes to me, every time I make a sale, I count it as a blessing. Of course, not every day is going to be fruitful but I accept it and move ahead with a hope of a better tomorrow.

Right now, I am selling healthy and delicious seasonal corn. It will always be a popular snack despite the increasing number of fast foods coming into the market every day.”