Bharat Mahan? [Independence Day series part i]

Rodu all of eleven struts past the swanky cars halting at the traffic intersection.His fists clunch a bunch of tricoloured flags.Waving them mindlessly he stares into the window panes his eyes straining to find a potential buyer, the pane reflects back the flag and then his muddied face.

A lanky fellow exuding confidence walks right up to a car stretching out his hand points at the plastic flag says, "Ek le lo".The window rolls down.

Nine year old Sheru isnt that lucky he hasnt sold any flag. But he chooses to shrug it off, "Poora din bacha hai", he says with a smile.

Dirt doesnt hide the beauty of seven year old Sangita, clutching her matted hair is an infant clinging to her waist.Sangita walks barefoot carrying the child, half her weight, selling independence day memorabilia.Her voice tinging on desperation she asks the motorist,"Aap loge?"

Her companion Seema,five, wearing a tattered blue kurta is messily inked with what is left of a sketch pen.She doesnt mind.She must get food for her family.Her face doesnt betray the hunger gnawing her insides.She runs off towards the vehicles as the lights turn red.

The day starts early for the elder children who purchase the tricolored flags in bulk from Sadar Bazaar paying rupees hundred for a packet.The children work nine to nine every day."By the end of the day we make about 20-30 rupees, just enough to fill our stomachs,"says Nandini(15) the eldest of them.Saku another child street vendor says,"We use the money to eat from the roadsides."

Ask them about the significance of the flag they hold in their hands and you see a dozen puzzled eyes.Repeat the question, and the children look as bewildered as before.

Suddenly Nandini rattles off what seems a parroted answer,"Jhanda uncha rahe hamara, hamara Bharat mahan!" Others look at her with surprise.Her answer obviously makes no sense.

For these children, freedom is the day their stomachs are full.Nothing short.Nothing beyond.

A voice still reverbates the air - "Hamara Bharat mahan....."