10th July 2008. Next day was my daughter’s birthday. So I withdrew a handsome amount from the bank to make arrangements for the small party I had planned for her.
I usually stop for a tea near my home. The small tea stall is always packed as he makes excellent masala tea. That day for a change it was near empty. It was looking like its going to rain. Without wasting a moment, I finished the tea and rushed to my home.
A little while after some one rang the door bell. And, I was surprised to see Shekhar, the boy who works at the tea shop standing at my door. This boy was not new to my house. He used to deliver tea to me whenever I have to entertain a surprise guest. But today I had not ordered any thing. Before I can figure out the reason for his arrival, Shekhar took out my mobile from his pocket. ‘Anna (big brother) you had forgotten this’ he said with a smile on his face.
It was quite an expensive handset. And I had used it only for a couple of months. I was very pleased with this boy and tipped him a handsome amount. Casually I asked him the reason for his working at the time when he is supposed to be studying. Our further conversation went some thing like ,
‘How can I go to school?’
‘Like any other children. Now a day’s schools are providing meals. You dint have to worry about the food also.’
‘Will they feed my family also?’
‘What do you mean? What your parents do?’
‘I dint know what my father does. He is missing from past six years. My mother works at construction sites. I have a school going younger brother. My mother don’t get regular job. So I have to work.’
‘How much do you earn?’
‘The shop owner gives me 20 rupee per day a breakfast and a lunch. I earn at least 10 rupee as tips. Even after all the expenses I can take home at least 30 rupee a day.’
‘Expenses? What kind of expenses does a nine year old boy can have?’
Our government has prohibited shops from selling tobacco to children. But here Shekhar not only could buy cigarette but, had become a compulsive smoker. And he is only nine!
I was beginning to take interest in this casual conversation. I don’t know why I felt like helping this boy.
‘I know some organization which helps children like you. If you are interested I’ll take you there and they will try to arrange for your education etc. You are a very nice boy. If not you would not have returned my cell. You should be studying and playing at your age. What do you say?’ I asked him.
‘Anna, I’m working from past four years. I used to secretly beg before that. One day my mother saw me and stripped me of my cloths and made me to stand in front of the house for the whole day. She always tells me that if I ever beg or steel, she will break my legs. Initially I was getting only food at the tea shop. Now I have started earning. If I leave this job, I loose the earnings also. So I don’t want to study.’
I tried to persuade him to take up studies but, he was very sure of his stand. I went with him to his home and met his mother. Her stand was not different then that of Shekhar’s. ‘I would live if he could study. But, our financial status does not allow it. Being the elder son, he has to take the responsibility of the family.’ She concluded.
‘But it is illegal. Child labor is banned in India. Primary education is free and compulsory. You don’t have to spend a paisa on his education. Even his lunch is taken care of.’ I took out my last weapon.
She looked at me for a while and, gave a sarcastic smile.
‘My younger son is studying in a government school Anna. (I had become big brother for both mother and son.) I know how free it is. It’s difficult for us to support even a first standard student. Please leave now.’
But I was determined.
I met Shekhar the next day and took him home. My daughter and her friends had already started celebrations.
At least after seeing other children, I thought Shekhar might change his mind. But I failed again. He was much worried of loosing his job, if he stays for long.
‘Good if you loose the job. At least then you can think of studying. Working in a tea shop is not a great job. If you study you will get a better job.’ I said.
‘I dont want to work in the tea shop for ever Anna. Very soon I’ll be opening my own tea shop. I know how to make tea and coffee. I have already saved some money towards it.’
I looked at him in disbelief. He had a broad smile on his face and, all the stars in his eyes!
Being educated, I had never thought of working for self. I chose the safe way of working for a MNC on their terms. A nine year old, uneducated boy had thought of working under self terms and, had already laid foundations on his dream!
I just told him to contact me for any kind of help he may require in future.
We all speak of the children and their rights and, the problems the underprivileged face. But always forget to acknowledge their spirit.
Both the governments and, the society have failed in creating a likable atmosphere for the (poor) children. But Shekhar’s incident proved to me that the negligence has not hampered their spirit.
After Shekar’s incident it became my pass time to find child labor and talk to their parents. All four families which I visited have one thing in common. ‘Financial support the child is providing to them.’
I’m not supporting child labor of any kind. I just want to highlight the spirit of children even in adverse conditions. I wonder what all these spirited children could achieve if they get a proper initial guidance.
The governments sure have come up with some very good schemes for the children. But have failed in implementing it. First priority should be given to create proper job opportunities for financially lower section of the society. When the parents can financially support their family, the government can compel their children towards schools. 
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