If there’s anything for certain, it’s that there’s no dearth of inspiration to be found in the India’s gullies. Case in point: Sumit Kumar, a 14-year-old resident of Delhi’s Kusumpur village. The eight grader belongs to a small community who migrated to Delhi from nearby states, living in an area that battles issues such as open defecation, lack of cleanliness and lack of access to water, hygiene and proper sanitation.
The hardships and risks of living in the area, however, have driven Sumit into becoming an agent for social change, using a medium that he’s most passionate about – rapping. From creating awareness about the importance of WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) to talking about child abuse and patriotism, his rap songs motivate the residents of his community to adopt habits that promote better health and cleanliness all around. When asked, Sumit says his role model is Indian rapper, Ikka Singh.
Here’s a glimpse of this inspiring ‘Gully Boy’s’ rap about Kusumpur’s water crisis:
India’s gullies house lakhs of children like Sumit, with real talent and unrealised aspirations. Would you like to help them? Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts on policy reforms that could help the lakhs of children living on India’s streets. Write in.