“I am 77 years old and I still go to work every day. My day starts at 4:30 in the morning with milking our cows. I also take my cows and sheep out into the field for grazing. Earlier, I used to sell a few litres to the local milk supplier but now, I have stopped doing that. I milk only for my family. I do farming for my living in our two-acre land. I earn a minimum income but it is enough to run my family. At this stage of my life, I don’t have any big goals.

I have two children. My older one is in the driving field and the younger one works in a private firm. Even though they spend most of their time in the city with their work, they always come back to the village during the festive season along with my four grandchildren to spend some time with me. They are aware of the humble village beginnings. I share a special bond with my grandchildren. They love the village atmosphere and would visit our cheruvu (lake) to take bath whenever they come here. I teach them all the things I know about village life and they teach me all about city life. I visit the city once in six months. I have even boarded the Metro train a couple of times. However, I cannot live there for long.

Yes, I do agree with the fact that development is essential in today’s progressive world. But it’s also important to stay connected to our roots and I am doing just that! I love my village, doing farming, chit-chatting with my village mates and walking with my cows and sheep. It will always be my first preference for life.”