“Summer is the toughest time for people like us who work on daily wages. The heat is harsh, especially in the afternoon, but our work doesn’t stop.

The best part about my job is meeting different kinds of people every day and taking them across Hyderabad. I’ve been an auto driver for over 37 years now, and I still enjoy it.

When I was a teenager, I dreamt of becoming an artist. But reality changed things when my parents said they couldn’t afford my expenses anymore. With a small amount they saved up, they sent me to Hyderabad.

I had no choice but to start working on my own from that day. I learnt to drive an auto within six months. Petrol used to cost just Rs. 7 back then!
At first, I drove a rented auto. After a few years of hard work, I bought my own rickshaw.

Summer days are tough. Sometimes, just a glass of buttermilk or a few slices of watermelon from a roadside vendor helps me push through the day. It’s these small things that make a big difference when you’re working long hours in the heat.

Every day, different people board my auto – students, workers, elders. Some talk, some stay silent. I enjoy sharing whatever little I know about Hyderabad with them.

This auto has given me a way to live with dignity, and the strength to keep going, no matter how hot or hard the days get.”

• Mallayya, Auto Driver