“I was born and brought up in a small village called Gowraram in Siddipet district. I am a shepherd and farmer. Our ancestors have been into this practice for several decades and I have been doing it too for a living.

My day starts at 5 a.m. and ends at 8 p.m. I take my goats and sheep for grazing twice a day. I take occasional breaks in between to rest and eat so that I have the energy for the rest of the day. I work on the farm for more than eight hours even at this age but I enjoy what I do.

My older son is 30 years old and he works in a factory in the city. I wished he could have become an engineer one day but I am still proud of what he has achieved so far. My younger son is pursuing his graduation and I hope to see him become the first graduate in our family. He sometimes comes here to see if I am okay but I would never allow him to get into this practice. Till today my biggest achievement has been the fact that I have raised both my children whose future is secure and I want to see them lead better lives.”