India is full of people with the people who have orthodox belief, and lack the sense of equality and brotherhood in them. Our society looks down upon a certain section of society, especially those who live on the street. People are indifferent towards children who live on streets and engage in child labour. We generally call these children as kabaadi wala (ragpicker) chotu , Gaadi saff karne wala chotu , and hotel wala (waiter) chotu. Basically, by calling all street children by the same name, we are snatching away their identity.
People always speak to them in a condescendingly and rudely. We need to understand that these children are deprived of basic amenities like food, house, education, among several other fundamental rights. Apart from that, these children are deprived of love and affection.
A few of them indulge in crimes because of the hatred and harshness of the society they face right from their formative years. Nobody wants hatred, and even these children don’t.
So, if you see a child selling a balloon or begging, please don’t misbehave with them. Instead, you should go and help, have a word with them. And, they have a name so don’t call them Chotu.
Few very thought provoking questions which arises:
- Aren’t they also humans?
- Aren’t they like our own children?
- Don’t they have the basic human right of being called by their respective names?
These are bitter questions need to be answered. Unlike our kids who have family and a home, these children are mostly alone and live on the streets, railway stations, etc.
Just like everyone they too desire of receiving love and respect.
Children won’t remember you for the materialistic things but for your love and affection.