He does not like to look back at his poverty stricken childhood when hunger, sickness, rejection and isolation were his only companions. He had to beg on the streets for his daily bread which made it impossible for him to pursue education. Although he yearned to be enrolled in school, he had to bury his ambitions as he saw no opportunities before him.

Although his destitute childhood passed, poverty persisted at home. He toiled as a herdsman and collect cattle from houses in his village and feed them from morning till evening. His hard work earned him a one-time meal which was ragi water mixed with old rice or paid five or ten rupees.