In the bustling city of New Delhi, the stories of Roshni and Santosh shed light on the harsh reality faced by street kids. Roshni, now 25, recalls her early years living under a flyover, collecting scrap to support her family as her father battled alcoholism and illness. For her, the struggles of being touched and stared at were all she knew, until a lifeline from the NGO Childhood Enhancement Through Training and Action (Chetna) transformed her life. Today, she mentors children with similar backgrounds, pursuing her education and dreaming of advocating for child rights full-time.
On the other hand, Santosh’s journey from his village in Jharkhand to the streets of Delhi was marked by abuse and loneliness. Forced to flee his uncle’s beatings, he found himself hauling luggage and eventually turning to begging and pickpocketing to survive. It wasn’t until a chance encounter with Salaam Baalak Trust that Santosh found dignity and purpose, now working as a coordinator to help others navigate towards a brighter future.
Challenges Faced by Street Kids
As the world commemorates International Street Children’s Day, the stories of individuals like Roshni and Santosh serve as beacons of hope amidst the grim reality for many youngsters living on Delhi’s streets. While recent government data on street kids is lacking, a 2021 report by the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation estimated over 60,000 street children in the capital. The harshness of their reality often leads them to seek solace in drugs, as a 2018 AIIMS study revealed that a significant number of street children turn to substances to cope with trauma, peer pressure, or curiosity.
One boy’s poignant admission of yearning for substances, a 16-year-old’s resignation to ragpicking as a way of life, and Indu’s bittersweet journey from an NGO programme to selling balloons underscore the varied experiences of street children in Delhi. While some, like Indu, find moments of joy and opportunity, many others face child marriage, neglect, and the harsh realities of street life.
Solutions for Street Children
Addressing the urgent need for intervention, Sanjay Gupta, director of Chetna, emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to support street children. From conducting a census to providing long-term rehabilitation, family counseling, and fostering better inter-state coordination, Gupta stresses the need for a holistic strategy to uplift these vulnerable children. Chetna’s recent initiatives, including a comic book and awareness songs, aim to empower children by educating them about their rights.
Similarly, Salaam Baalak Trust’s focus on providing shelter, education, counseling, and support for street children highlights the multifaceted nature of rehabilitation. Calling for an active child helpline and integrated systems to address the complex needs of street children, organizations like Chetna and Salaam Baalak are working tirelessly to offer a glimmer of hope in the lives of those who have known only darkness.
In the face of adversity, the resilience and determination of street children like Roshni, Santosh, and Indu speak volumes about the human spirit’s capacity to rise above challenges. As communities, policymakers, and organizations come together to support these vulnerable youth, the hope for a brighter future for street children in Delhi shines ever brighter. The road ahead may be long and arduous, but with compassion, dedication, and a united effort, positive change is within reach.
