Children Begging On Streets, Their Future, Whose Responsibility ?

[JANASENA]

 

Today these 3 children came to my place asking for food and some warm clothes. They said to my mom, "ae didi, kuch khane aur pehen-ney ko dedo" (please give us something to eat and some warm clothes to wear). My mom said "kuch nhi milega, chalo niklo" (you will not get anything, go away).

I was playing subway surfers game at that time out of boredom. Those poor children were still there, begging. My mom shouted and said, "chalo jao, kuch nhi hai yahan, jao wrna main kuttey ko chorr dungi." (and to be honest we do not have any dog) They were about to leave when I saw them. One of them was wearing only a T shirt (I live in Himachal Pradesh and this is January) and none of the 3 had slippers or shoes to wear. They all had a pitiable condition, specially the youngest girl. I was ALMOST MELTED. I saw my mom, she was still angry why these kids were standing at the gate. 
I asked the kids to smile and pose for a photograph. They enthusiastically smiled. (May be their smile is also deficient.) 
Then I thought I should give them food and some warm clothes. But was I right? My mom said, "If they will get food by begging, they will never realize the value of earning." She was right too.

I started a conversation with those innocent minds. I inquired about their school and studies. The eldest girl answered, "hum jate the na ishqool Ju P mein". (We used to go to school in UP). She again asked for food. I asked why don’t you go to the schools in Himachal, they will give you both food and warm clothes. She smiled and said "ae didi, aisa kaun deta hai." I said tell me who doesn't give you food and clothes in school, I will complaint about them. She remained silent because actually she never went to school. I said ask your father to get you admitted to a school to which she said "bapu kehta hai ki tu layak nhi hai parhne ke, ishqool (school) jayegi to kaam kab karegi?" (Dad says you are not worth studying, when will you work if you will go to school)

I knew by this time she was trying to avoid conversation about school. She was an expert beggar and of course school won't yield her food or money (accordingly). I asked her what her parents did. She said they were wood cutters. I further asked her what she would do after growing up. She said smiling "kuch nhi karenge didi." I was shocked to see what her innocent mind had registered because of the events in her life. I politely said "beta kuch na kuch to krna hi hoga na paise kamane k lie, sari umar to aise nhi maang skte na khana."(Dear, you will have to do something or the other to earn, you cannot beg for food throughout your life). What she said was really shocking, she said "hamra jo baccha hoyega na, uh to maang hi skta hai, naahi to ham bhi lakkar hi katen-gey; aur kya ?" (Whoever my kid will be can definitely beg, else I too will become a wood cutter, what else) I really don't know how to help her, or rest of the kids in the world who are in the same situation. Of course giving her food and money won't help but do you think giving her lecture for an hour about importance of studies is practical? I wonder if she will even listen to it ever.

I feel pained to see how life is so cruel to them. Their priority is food for tonight and they won't look beyond that.
I WANT TO ASK MY LOGICAL NATION HOW TO HELP THOSE INNOCENT KIDS?

While I was thinking about all this, a lady from our neighborhood gave some food to one of them. The shine on their faces even in bright sunlight was visible. But that shine was not giving me any satisfaction.