“I don’t know my age. We never counted birthdays, just the seasons, festivals, and the baskets we made.

I was the first in my family to come to Hyderabad. I left my village in Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh with nothing but hope to earn a living here in the city. There was no land, no work, but I had my hands, and they learned to weave. Slowly, basket-making became my livelihood.

We bring the raw materials like rattan, bamboo, and coconut leaves from the West Godavari region and set up small makeshift shops near Nampally Exhibition grounds at MJ Market. We sit by the roadside, weaving baskets, wedding decorations, and hanging pots, waiting for people to stop, look, and buy.

Now, my son and daughter in law along with their children are taking care of this business. Some days, we earn well. Some days, we don’t. But we never complain.

One thing I’ve learned-never cheat people. If you don’t have money, do small work anywhere, but never steal or deceive. Hands that work will always find a way to earn. Work honestly, and life will give you enough.”