On Sunday evening around 8pm I went to Pondy Bazaar to buy a pressure cooker and few other things per the list given! A little girl, by the name Lakshmi (ironically) about 12 years old, walked up to me and wanted me to buy the mythological story books (much like Amar Chitra Katha). When I said I am not interested she persisted and said she was hungry and would probably sleep hungry if she is unable to sell. She had a charming innocence and I gave her Rs 50 and asked her to go and eat and said I didnt want the books. I casually asked her is she was going to school and a bit about her parents. She was studying in Class 7 in a Govt School nearby and she lives with her Mom as she lost her Dad in an accident. They had no place and slept in a tent on a pavement. I felt really pained that a young girl at such a vulnerable age was sleeping rough and is exposed to such high risk of abuse. She immediately asked if I could buy her a school bag. I agreed and as we crossed the street she got hurt by a rock, probably due to her excitement. I noticed that she had no slippers. I decided to buy her a pair of slippers too. I took her to the shop and allowed her to pick what she liked. This was perhaps her first ever shopping experience as I could from her excitement and the delight on her face. The slippers costed Rs 160 but the smile and slight on her face was priceless. I couldnt find a suitable bag for her and promised to get her the school bag the following as I had a few other things to buy before the shops closed. She wanted accompany me to get a bit more shopping experience!!! I allowed her to tag along and she was super elated! This reiterated the thought We have so much to be grateful and thankful for what we have. Such simple pleasures of life are being denied to scores of millions. I bought my things and bid her goodbye and she reminded me for the bag. I have since bought a bag for her and intend to give it to her later today! It is indeed sad that the govt Is focussing on such irrelevant issues like Ghar Wapsi than working on getting children off the street:( This kind of poverty and economic exclusion is the primary catalyst for conversions. Be that as it may, my question to you all: 1. Do any of you know of any safe shelter for such children? 2. Any of you willing to keep her as a helper but ensure her continued schooling and allow her to live with you? She seemed to indicate that her mother would agree. I would have seriously considered the latter if I was in Chennai after due process to avoid any legal hassles. Your thoughts people.. Iron man
Posted on: Tue, 30 Dec 2014 16:35:59 +0000
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