Life of Child Labour

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He was rescued from Nai Bazaar, Bhadohi in 2002. After being recued he was sent to Bal Vikas Ashram for rehabilitation. Where he received very good care and support. After 6 months his batch was complete and he was sent back to his home.

He went to school there, but was often beaten at the school, so he soon quit. The family was very poor. Poverty led him to look for work again. So he came back to Bhadohi in search of work.

He could not study and till date all his education was provided at the Bal Vikas Ashram. He later came to Delhi and was working for a labour contractor. He learnt polishing of marble and other floors for 6-8 months. He wanted to earn a better livelihood so he started working in partnership with a contractor. He would get Rs. 100 from every Rs. 600 that they earned. Then once he got an independent assignment and gradually he became an independent contractor. He has a private limited company registered in his name. 

He takes care not to hurt the interests of his workers. Even as most contractors follow the rule of paying the wages on the 10th day of the next month, he pays them whenever they are in need. 

He feels that the 6 months of education at the Bal Vikas Ashram was equivalent to 4-5 years of formal education. He opined that if the stay could be prolonged, there would be much more opportunities for the children. 

He is ready to offer all possible help to other vulnerable children. He is ready to contribute 15 % of his earnings for these causes.

He has helped in the Dhaneshwar School.

He was rescued in 2001. He thanked all the members of the Bal Vikas Ashram family particularly Fr. Louis and Mother Solomi for their support in transforming his life.

He is sourcing fruits from different places and supplying to markets in Delhi. He sources apples from Kashmir, fishes from Orrisa and supplies to vendors in Delhi. He is eager to help vulnerable children. Even now he is supporting chidren in need in his village. If they need resources for their education or hospitalsation of someone in the family. He has helped many people from the village access Indira Awas Yojna.

He gained so much popularity from such activities that he was elected the village Pradhan without campaigning.

He married without any dowry.

He recalled that 16 children were rescued with him. They had been without anything to eat for 2 days when Fr. Louis and Sr Fried took them to the Bal Vikas Ashram. He had a very good time there.

He is working in mines as a driver in Meja region. He earns Rs. 2000 per week plus an incentive of Rs. 75 per round of load that he carries. He can make 8-10 rounds in a day. He has a son and a daughter.

He started goat rearing, but eventually all the goats did not survive and he shifted to labour work.

He was rescued in 2001. He had been hiding in hay when the raid was conducted. The loom owners had threatened them that the police was there to thrash them and arrest the children. They wer told that the police cut your stomachs and take out the organs if the Police caught them. Hence they had been hiding in hay.

All his education has been received in Ashram.

He went to Delhi in Mukti Ashram. His family background was weak, so he was forced to come back to Delhi to make a livelihood.

He is working in the wood sector and currently lives in Nagloi in Delhi. He has 1 daughter and 2 sons. His son is studying in CBSE board school. He is keen to educate his children so that they are not forced into slavery.

He did not know anything when he came to the Bal Vikas Ashram. Could not even count upto 50. He learnt everything he know at the Ashram. Now he has gained enough courage and confidence to speak even to the SP and DM. He can now speak out his views without and fear.

During Covid Lockdown, he travelled from Delhi to his village along with his 50 workers on bicycles. He got bicycles for his workers and formed a group to take them to their native villages. On the way, they were stopped by the Police at various points. He boldly spoke with the senior officers present at those points and facilitated the journey of all his workers.

He has also formed a Whatsapp group of BVA Alumni. He informed that many of the rescued colleagues could not come due to various reasons, but would definitely attend such meeting next time.

He is committed to supporting children and colleagues for their health and education.

He has a son and a daughter. He is educating both of them.