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Independence Day: The streetside view
Tuesday August 14, 2012 08:50:35 PM,
IANS
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New Delhi: For some, it's a day of celebration or
simply chilling with family and friends. But Independence Day is
just another day of struggle for millions living on the fringes of
mainstream India.
Like 35-year-old Satyender, who will be trawling the streets of
the capital Wednesday, when the country celebrates its 65th
Independence Day, hoping to make an extra buck.
With a unique streetside view of the celebrations, Satyender
normally sells car accessories and knick-knacks. But in the days
ahead of Independence Day, patriotism is in - and so is the
tricolour.
"For me, the day is nothing but a chance to sell more. Around
Independence Day the sale of flags, wristbands and other
innovative products in tricolour are in demand," Satyender told
IANS.
"I know what the day stands for, though," he added. He usually
earns Rs.150 a day. Around Aug 15, he can manage to make at least
Rs.100 more.
Among the range of products sold on Delhi streets are tricolour
umbrellas, kites and miniature flags. And vendors find ready
takers for the saffron white and green knick-knacks.
Street children have also joined the bandwagon to earn a little
more.
Nine-year-old Deepak has sold 40 tricolour wristbands but isn't
quite sure why. He's also not sure what Aug 15 stands for.
"I think people fly kites on this day," Deepak said after much
contemplation.
But 12-year-old Suraj Kumar knows. He has been selling car
accessories on Delhi's streets for the last three years and
remembers with nostalgia the flag hoisting ceremonies in his
school in Bihar.
"I miss my school days... On Aug 15 there used to be flag hoisting
in my school and we used to get biscuits and candies," he said.
Then life took a turn, his mother died and he dropped out of
school to join his father.
"My mother died and father was alone. To raise a family of five
for him was impossible, so I left school to assist him," Kumar
added.
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