I hail from Uttar Pradesh and I have been working in Bangalore for 12 years. I am 26-years-old and have a wife and son back home. When I first came to the city, I worked in shops. But I wasn’t happy with what I was doing. I met a friend who used to sell plants. I love trees and Nature. This job instantly appealed to me. I learned everything about this business from my friend, from how to take care of plants and where to buy them.

My day starts at six in the morning. I buy plants from different market places in the city. I work from six to 12 noon, then I take a one-hour break and work till about 4 pm. Since I stay in Domlur, I sell plants in Koramangala, Ulsoor, Indiranagar, Kodihalli, Jakkasandra and Thippasandra. Flowering plants sell more, so they are more expensive. Prices start at Rs.25 and go up to Rs.500.

There are days when I feel very tired, especially in summer. On some days business is good, but on other days it isn’t. The cost of living is quite high, so it gets quite difficult. But I am proud of what I do. I am contributing to the city’s greenery. I hear so many people tell me Bangalore is known for its beautiful trees and flowers, and I completely agree with them.

But since the time I have been here, Bangalore has changed so much. There are many more people, it’s developed quite a bit. But I would urge the government not to cut trees. Bangalore has become so hot because so many trees have been cut down. Trees give shade, they bring rain. Buy more plants for your homes. Plant more trees. That way we can make Bangalore pretty and restore its cool climate.

(I Am is a weekly column about men and women who make Bangalore what it is.)