Angels at the traffic signal !

I have wonderful friends - a group of street children at the traffic signal near my house . They are about ten charming kids . Some of them ask for alms or try to sell some products and some just peep through the glass window of the cars , to have glimpse of the world they can not afford to dream . Most people ignore them and drive off , the moment traffic signal is cleared . Mumbai is a throbbing , pulsating city and one just can not miss a moment in its maddening pace else the rhythm gets disturbed .These children have learnt to survive this city in their own unique ways .


Can you ever imagine , running frantically amidst the scary traffic of Mumbai ? Well , these children are expert at that . They have mastered the art of manoeuvring the traffic and make me stop my car no matter how hard pressed I am for time . The moment one of the children identifies my car , she calls other members of the group , posted at different locations at the signal and the chase begins . It is futile to try escaping it . Their smile, the glint in their eyes and sheer warmth captivates me and I am always compelled to stop for few minutes and end up spending more time chatting up with them .


It is more than five years since i know these children . Every time I stop by at the signal , I learn about new facet of life and human nature that my privileged life might be devoid of . I have seen myriad stories in their beautiful eyes and sordid truths that they manage to lock up behind their innocent smiles . Sometimes they open up and tell me about their lives and something deep inside me snaps . They are smart children and understand human nature much better than many of us . Perhaps, life has taught them that . When the going gets tough, I have seen them stand by each other in spite of their individual fight for survival everyday .The amazing part is , their hard life might have made them lose their childhood to great extent but not the hope .



I often ask myself what is it that drives these children to me ? Is it just the food and other things that I sometimes provide them ? But I don't give it so often for them to chase me like that ! I think it is the time I spend with them and the way we all connect . They are thrilled to know that someone is interested in their lives and well being ! The most beautiful part of our relationship is , we all can read each others' minds and know what is going on . There have been instances when I have been upset over something and just by looking at my face they have sensed and comforted me saying " Didi , tension mat karo , bhagwan sab theek kar dega " ( meaning , don't worry, Lord will take care of everything ! ) . These little angels often say profound things very casually and it works like placebo sometimes . They don't understand global warming or pollution but they do criticize cutting of trees and people spitting on the roads or throwing waste . ( I have taught them to confront people who try to litter the road and we often laugh when they narrate their experiences while performing this task ) . They don't understand racism but they do know that colour of the blood is same in all human beings , and in eyes of God , we all are equal . Most of them don't go to school but what they have learnt from life is more meaningful for their survival .


What is it that draws me to them ? I think its their pure love ( no , they don't expect me to take care of their needs) , their spirit to fight and survive and above all the beautiful bond that we share . What is it that these children really want ? I think they wish to be treated , acknowledged and accepted like human beings, and not looked upon as some unwanted part of society . They wish their existence to be respected and validated . That's all ! Is it possible ? I think it is . Only if we look beyond their dirty bodies and filthy clothes .