“It’s custard apple season now, so I carry these fruit baskets every day and sell them here near the Market road. Some customers bargain, some just ask the price and walk away, and some children just stop to look at the fruits. Whenever I can, I give a fruit or two free to kids. Their joy makes me happy, and I believe when we share with a smile, God sends blessings back in some form.

We are a farming family, and we still continue agriculture during the seasons. But a few years ago, flash floods destroyed most of our crops and left us with heavy losses. Since then, farming alone hasn’t been enough. So my husband started driving an auto-rickshaw, and I began selling seasonal fruits and vegetables. Depending on the time of year, I sell custard apples, sugarcane, or mangoes—whatever helps us manage our expenses. Every day, I travel nearly 80 km up and down for this small business.

Life hasn’t been easy. There are always loans to clear, household expenses to manage, and our children’s education to support. But we’ve never stopped trying. This Dussehra, with our family’s wholehearted efforts, we were able to buy a new laptop for my grandson who dreams of becoming an engineer. My only wish is to see my children in good positions in life.

There are struggles every single day, but I choose to face them with a smile. Because no matter how tough things get, a positive attitude and a smile always bring strength and sometimes, even new opportunities.”