Bumpy Roads: global aspirations and local interruptions in Hyderabad, India

Abstract

“Naganna’s back is broken” Siraj casually remarks, while wiping the windshield of his shiny black and yellow autorickshaw. Naganna, fifty-seven years of age, is asleep on the side of the street. Lying on two newspapers, he smiles at me, signaling that he needs a couple of minutes before he can join Siraj and me for chai (tea). Naganna’s frail body looks exhausted, and his face is wrinkled with pain. “How did this happen?” I ask Siraj.