Children of a lesser god, the rag-pickers of Delhi

Every morning at 4, I used to go for a walk. The roads and by lanes of the DDA (Delhi Development Authority) colony are deserted then. And from nowhere they appeared – three children, two girls, 12 years and 10 years and a boy of six years, with big gunny bags across their shoulders.

They are the rag-pickers of Delhi, the ancient capital of India. And the three children looked as ancient – in torn clothes, fair but the coat of dirt made them dark, their hair matted like our rishis (saints) of old. It looked as if they have never taken bath since birth nor their hair seen oil. No one knows where they live. They have no Aadhaar card nor will they be listed in the national register of citizens. The corona virus can’t pierce the coat of dirt on their skin.

The three move stealthily looking for scraps – paper, plastic, empty bottles and metal – thrown on roadside by irresponsible residents. The fact that their filled bags are bigger than them in volume, is proof that for some residents the motto “cleanliness is next to godliness” applies up to their doorstep. They keep their flat spick and span with a corner reserved for their deity to propitiate whom they pick flowers from the public park. Let God shower His blessings on them!

But the rag pickers do not seem to be God’s children. They are hated by the residents who generally brand them as petty thieves. And the chowkidars and street dogs bark at them and chase them. Their eyes perpetually reflected fear.

When it is daylight, the children march to the Raddiwala (scrap dealer) sell their collection for a few rupees. They buy rotis from the push cart seller to satiate their hunger. When the market is open, they join their mother who sits with a begging bowl in front of the liquor shop.

The family minus father used to sit at the gate of the local temple. But God’s men chased them away. If they are poor, it is their fate, God’s will, they content. God bless them.

The patrons of liquor shop don’t find excuses in the philosophy of piety. They often throw the small change into the begging bowl. Let God bless them too!