CELEBRATING DEEPAVALI

From Sampath’s Desk:

  

CELEBRATING DEEPAVALI 

BURNT DREAMS AND FESTIVE CRACKERS

 

On a Deepavali day some years ago, I visited a close friend of mine to extend my greetings. As I entered his flat, I could see that the atmosphere was rather subdued with no fanfare and/or no semblance of fireworks which the festival was all about. I quipped to myself, “Deepavali is a festival of of lights besides the fireworks. Isn’t it?” My friend and his children were wearing new clothes and enjoying other kinds of entertainment including arraying of oil lamps but not the usual fireworks that flummoxed me.

 

I was told that my friend and his family never used to burn fireworks or bursting crackers on the Deepavali days for years which the children were generally fond of. The reason, my friend explained, was that in the cracker industry, those employed are almost children who toil - 24 x 7 and 365 days - for a pittance. Asked he, “Do you know how many children fall sick while handling hazardous chemical substances and materials used to manufacture crackers, sparklers and other fireworks and how many of them lose even their previous lives or getting maimed in case of any fire accidents or other mishaps? Children are exploited up to the hilt and, in fact, they are even robbed of what all that go with childhood bliss.” I argued – vainly though – if everyone were to stop buying crackers, how then could that industry survive? Wouldn’t the children engaged in it be deprived of even that paltry income.” Pat came the reply, “Why spoil the education and future of children by encouraging a child labour intensive industry?” I asked, “How then the gullible children could be helped out of this morass or hell?” He said that while as an individual he couldn’t directly help the children employed in that industry, he is ready to campaign against the child labour and contribute liberally to organizations that are engaged in educating poor children, elimination of child abuse, and emancipation and empowerment of poor children, especially those who end up becoming child labourers in industries like the health-hazards-laden fireworks. Yes he was right. I also know that my friend is really doing his best in that regard.

But there is also a question how could that industry be helped to sustain and survive (in which thousands of labourers sweat it out throughout the year in manufacture of firework items) if all were to boycott fireworks even on that single day. The government has issued strict orders not to engage minor children in the hazardous industry. 

Actually, under the Constitution of India, every child is entitled to education. But alas, we see children doing petty and menial jobs in factories, brick-kilns, matchbox and fireworks industries, restaurants, provision stores and other shops, and also as domestic servants to eke out livelihood and support their poor families. Child labour is a bane.

Parents must not use the smokescreen of sanctity of family to hide certain ugly realities perpetrated by them against their own children because of poverty and the need for income to the family. They should realize that children are an asset to them and the society. The need of the hour is to educate and empower children and make them grow into responsible adults and dutiful citizens of the country. Otherwise, it will be like placing ‘boulders on a bird’s head’! Let us think, make amends, and act differently.

To conclude, children (minors) should not be engaged as labourers at any cost in any industry or sector. All concerned must ensure it. That is the only solution for this menace.

 

 

(R.SAMPATH)