Karnataka woman pawns mangalsutra to buys TV for children’s on-air classes

A woman in Gadag district of Karnataka mortgaged her mangalsutra to buy a television set for her children. She bought the TV set following Karnataka government's decision to continue classes through TV amid Covid pandemic. A resident of Radder Naganur village, Kasturi works as construction labourer along with her husband. Kasturi is a mother of two and purchased a television set against her mangalsutra for Rs 14,000. She bought the TV after her children's school teachers asked them to attend classes via TV set. Her daughter studies in Class IX while the son studies in Class VII in a government school. Kasturi said, “I can not send the children to the neighbours' house every day and it was necessary for them to study. We had no other option but to buy a TV set. Both, my husband and I are daily wage workers and during coronavirus, we do not have work or money.” She added, “I sold my mangalsutra for Rs 20,000 and bought a TV for Rs 14,000. Now, my kids can study at home itself.” Schools in India are closed in view of Covid. Online classes have been arranged by schools for students. Several children, in rural areas, suffer due to lack of facilities.