‘Building a life’ is a story of a now 21-year-old Akbar hailing from the infamous red-light area of Kamathipura, Mumbai. This story best explains how Prerana’s interventions were guided by the principles under the JJ Act, 2015 – the principle of best interest, family responsibility, and institution alization as a measure of last resort for rehabilitation. Akbar’s journey, from 2005 till date, comprises overcoming innumerable challenges innate to the red-light area (from being in and out of childcare institutions to dealing with severe medical conditions, and so on), forming strong familial bonds, and building a dream and a life of rights, choices, and dignity. Throughout Akbar’s journey, Prerana has been instrumental in ensuring that he and his family (his mother and four siblings) receive timely counseling, regular medical assessments, enrollment in educational and recreational programs, and rehabilitation whenever necessary through regular follow-ups and outreach.