They indulge in drug addiction. Pre-determined societal norms hardly affect them. And they prize freedom above all else.
Neglected by the society and struggling to cope with the stark reality of their existence, these platform children are addicted to paper whitener and thinner.
“Age is no bar for these children to experiment with new ways of addiction and this time they are using the thinner and paper whitener for the purpose which is not heavy on their pockets. An intake of single dose reportedly gives them an instant high," said Santosh, paraprofessional in an organisation working for the welfare of children.
According to Shagufta Naqvi, coordinator of the organisation, recently a boy of eight sustained injuries as high dose of whitener had left him unconscious and he fell down on a sharp object.
The whitener costs approximately Rs 20. Ask them the method of its intake and pat comes the reply. "We sprinkle some quantity on a cloth and then sniff it deeply," said the eleven-year-old Mukesh, who often frequents between Mughalsarai and Allahabad Railway Junctions.
Surprisingly these children who earn money after much toiling are ready to spend a part of it on their addiction instead of buying food for themselves. "We cannot remain without it," said Tohit who has left his home forever as he enjoys his 'freedom'.
{{/usCountry}}Surprisingly these children who earn money after much toiling are ready to spend a part of it on their addiction instead of buying food for themselves. "We cannot remain without it," said Tohit who has left his home forever as he enjoys his 'freedom'.
{{/usCountry}}Another, Ramlagan, who is physically challenged, earns his livelihood by cleaning the bogies with the help of his broom. But this guy too has not been spared from the fixation of addiction.
"I need crutches to support me. Will I get them?" he asks with a yearning in his eyes.
Most of them who belong to this category and stay at platforms are teenagers and not more than 20 years of age. Most of them are involved in selling the water bottles.
"These are used bottles and they get them when the passengers leave them in the bogies or throw them on the platforms. They sell them at low prices," said Santosh. It has also been reported by a senior citizen that many children seek entertainment by watching the movies on a CD player in a small room located somewhere near the junction where they get a single ticket for Rs 15.
"We are often harassed by the police. With no permanent shelter, where should we go," said Tohit. The sordid tale doesn't seem to end here.
The clothes donned by them hardly cover them decently and hygiene is a distant matter altogether. Some are orphans, some stay with siblings while some have abandoned their households.
Bade hokar kya banoge? "Aadmi banenge," says Tohit with pride without giving a second thought.