“I was quite irresponsible during my childhood. I used to spend most of my days with friends watching movies without attending school. I dreamt of becoming an actor back then. But my dreamland fell apart and reality hit me when my parents told me that they couldn’t afford to take care of my expenses anymore. I was 18 years old at that time so they saved up a small sum of money to send me to Hyderabad and I have been here since then.

That day, I had no option but to grow up and start working and I haven’t stopped till today. I learnt to drive the auto within 6 months and mind you, the petrol used to cost Rs. 3 back then. I began to drive a rented auto for a couple of years. Unfortunately, every day, a large chunk of my earnings would go to the owner of the auto, leaving me with a meagre amount. That’s when I made up my mind about buying an auto-rickshaw. I hadn’t made enough money yet, but I was determined and somehow arranged enough money to buy my own rickshaw. I did this only to ensure a happy and decent life for my family and by god’s grace, I could clear my loan within 2 years. Since then, for 40 years, I have been in this profession as an auto driver.

The best part of my job is meeting people from all walks of life, interacting with them and also taking them to different places in the twin cities. People of all age groups board in my auto and I often get rides to the tourist venues like Tank bund, Shilparamam, Charminar, Salarjung Museum, Golkonda Fort among many others.

I am glad that I am able to make people understand the greatness of our Hyderabadi culture. I believe my auto has not just given me basic income for survival but, has also given me a reason to live life wholeheartedly.”