From rag-pickers to Samaritans

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 20

Six children from slum areas who were labelled as rag-pickers appeared for Class III exams at BCM, Shastri Nagar. For them it was an altogether a different experience.

Durga (15), lost her parents and now lives with her sister and brother-in-law. She used to be a rag picker till the time she came in contact with Advocate Hari Om Jindal, a social worker.

Talking to The Tribune, Durga said she was feeling good. In between she also used a few words in English, including “yes madam” and “I am happy”.

Five others who appeared in exam include 14-year-old Kajal, 10-year-old Ajay, 12-year-old Sita, Rekha (11) and Anita (18) and married.

Jindal said he was putting his best efforts to make these kids self-reliant. These children have left rag picking and now focus on their studies and take care of their household chores, he said. “Along with studies, they are being taught about responsibility. They have become very sensible,” said Jindal.

Kajal said rag picking was not an easy job as they had to put their hands in the garbage all the time and adhere to the instructions of their parents.

Convincing parents was a difficult task as well and they somehow relented when told about how study would change future of their kids. Today, parents were excited to see their children fully aware of current scenario and in positive spirits.