Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Save the Innocence!!




A few days back I went out for ice-cream with my family. But to my disappointment, I couldn’t enjoy it. A small child hardly 5 or 6 years old came to my father’s side of the window. He was very cute, with pink cheeks, hair made up just right; not to mention his clothes were nice and clean. I was just wondering what he was doing there when to my horror, he lifted his hand. He had a handful of pencils; he was selling them. In the third world that we live in, child labor is something very common. We see it every day around us, we have partially become numb to it. But this child here, he was so darn cute, his eyes so bright, his smile so innocent… those pink cheeks, and the way he held out those few pencils to my father, it really broke my heart. I could not have imagined a neat kid like him could be out selling stuff near midnight. I could not help but shed tears. I asked my father to give him some money. You know what the child did? He refused to take the money for nothing; he wanted to exchange them for pencils only. We bought some, and he went away happily. I felt a little happy about the way this little child had known the ethical difference between earning his living or begging for it. Obviously he learnt this from his parents who obviously, then, have morals. God knows in what terrible condition they might be in that forced them to send their beloved child out like this. Simply tragic.
Among other things that I hate being in a third world country is seeing our children withering away like that. What with all the over population, high illiteracy rate, unemployment; and on top of that, the new financial crisis the world is facing now, the poor being its first victims. Why can’t the government do something about these innocent babies at least!! Frustration and anger rises in me when I see their helpless eyes… They did not deserve a life so miserable in any case!
Employing children as waiters, servants, mechanics, making them do everything that their tender hands are not yet ready to do; they are forced to grow up, forced to forget their chance on a happy carefree childhood, while others like them get education, are cared for and provided for. But these poor children learn the harsh realities of life before their young minds can even understand them; and earning the very hard way those grown-ups do. These children are treated brutally in many cases, including sexual abusing and harassing. When their soft, tiny, unskilled hands cannot learn a particular skill, they are mistreated, beaten up, cursed… And they grow up in fear.

It’s sad on the part of humanity how we choose to spend a fortune on our own luxuries and life style. We always have to have the latest iPod, the latest laptop, the Nokia model that’s just about to hit the market and make it big time. For what, guys?? Yes I completely understand it can be that one wants to be up to date and all, one must be style conscious. Even I spend like that, I'm one of you all. But, let’s just put ourselves aside for one moment; think of all the good you can do for anyone who is in need. The money we’re soon going to spend on that new Nokia model can feed so many hungry mouths. And yes, like I said before in one of my posts, a good deed always comes back. If one is wealthy, they can choose to help out a family and maybe do some significant good to it that lasts as well.
The whole idea of this post is to ask you, the readers, to do a little something for these children. There are countless ways in which we can make life a little easier for them if we put our minds and hearts to it. To start with, there are so many related causes available on the Internet that one can join. You can donate money if you can afford it. If not anything, then you can promote this cause by the very special gift of writing power you, my blogger friends, are blessed with. Come on, let’s do something for these little angels. Let us make life seem a little bit easier for them. Trust me, in the end when you’re done, just their mere smiles will be so worth it!
I remember one of Michael Jackson’s ever loved songs…

There comes a time when we heed a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying
And it’s time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all
We can’t go on pretending day by day
That someone somewhere will soon make a change
We are all part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need

We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we're making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

Send them your heart
So they’ll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stones to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand

We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones who make a brighter day
So let’s start giving
There’s a choice we're making
We’re saving our own lives
It’s true we’ll make a better day
Just you and me

Enjoy the winter season ahead, and take very good care of yourselves and those around you.
Happy blogging!
Hugs~~

--
picture courtesy: deviantART


99 comments:

  1. You really seem moved by the sight of that child selling pencils, Mehreen. This long - and so very spontaneous - post says it all. It is a good sign of times to come. A time when you and I would just not shed a tear for them but go a step ahead and do our bit.

    My suggestion would be to sponsor the education of a child. Someone you know or may not even know. It just may be the first step. Don't ever encourage begging, for God's sake.

    But I have one objection to use of two words - Third World. There is nothing called a Third or a First World, Mehreen. It was some so-called "superior" mind's coinage of words to describe the developing and under-developed countries in Asia and Africa.

    There is just one world. The one in which you, I and the rest of us live.

    I'm glad I know someone like you.

    *smiles*

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dearest Mehreen.

    I know what you mean -- I have seen it many, many times, mainly in the 3rd world. The scope of it is actually quite overwhelming.

    I am really touched that you noticed that child. I've been to Pakistan many times and I have been with so many locals who don't even see these people. They just don't see them, like they are not there... In one of the wealthy homes that I visited I asked what the servant's name was and the man of the house didn't know. I asked where the servants slept and the man of the house didn't know...

    Well, you know what they say, you give a fish to that child and he won't be hungry for a few hours, but if you teach him how to fish, he won't be hungry ever again.

    That's what they say, anyway.

    I think you should do what your heart tells you to do. There's always something you can do and helping someone else is a very beautiful thing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This makes me sad and is only 10.50 in the morning !

    Meh, child labor is smth thats very close to my heart. I just cant bear to see lil kids on the streets doing things just like you said. And I feel exactly just what you described up there.

    This all has to stop. The govt you're talkin about, recently it was made constituional in India for compulsory school education for all children. Free education, keeping reserved seats in privae ones for the leser privileged kids inthe area are some of the clauses. THat made me happy.

    But deep down I still know there will a parent like the rickshaw wala who'll reason "school jayega to do haath kam nahi ho jayenge kamai ke ?" !

    Whatever it is, I'm singing MJ's song. Now and forever.

    :)

    A beautiful beautiful post sweety.
    hugs

    ReplyDelete
  4. Man! Im stumped for words
    Wht a thought provoking, hard hitting post Mehreen
    Very well ruminated..

    So amazing tht even a young kid knows the difference between begging and earning a respectable livelihood

    Wen I see young kids peddling flowers, balloons and other things at the traffic signal, my heart goes out to them..even I offer to pay widout buying..some accept some don’t..

    Soo many young gurls r forced into the flesh trade, so many become victims of sexual harassment..indeed tragic…

    Ive enrolled for the TEACH INDIA campaign…I hope to get a call frm them at the earliest!

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  5. thats a really good post mehreen ...we live in a bad world and i'm glad u r doing ur lil bit to change it..cheerio ..

    cudnt resist blogrolling u :)

    oh n plz remove d word verification

    ReplyDelete
  6. Came across your post from Cindrella's and glad I did....

    I used to teach at this NGO for underpriviledged kids...and u know, sometimes we had to pay them in kind just to amke sure that parents send them to study...
    especially since in our countries,some people have kids to add another income to the family...

    Beautifully written.

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  7. @ Sib

    Thankyou for the read, Sib. This whole incident was lingering in my mind for days now. I needed to share this with everyone, guess owning a blog makes it so easy. You connect to so many people and so easily.

    Education is what I exactly meant when I said doing them a favor that lasts and helps them on and on. Education is the first and most important step. Surely.

    I used the term "third world" deliberately. It does sound superior, I know. It was meant to be ironical.

    Thankyou for relating to it.
    Keep visiting, friend.

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. @ Agnes

    You were one of my definite intended audience to this post, because I know you're into social work and you will surely relate to it. Yes, sadly, we have gone numb to this. But I know so many like me who share the same sentiments for such children, so, there's still hope.

    And next time you visit Pakistan, let me know. I will love to speak to you. Really.

    Take care! :)

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  9. @ Cindy

    Hello dear!
    I must tell you, you've done a wonderful job with that poem on your blog. My intent to write this post was to motivate people, and writing about it was the least I could do. I'm very happy you carried it on for the same of those children. Thank you so much! Wish I could hug you for this!

    Muah!!!

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  10. @ Swats

    Thank you for the generous comments dear.
    It's great you have enrolled for that campaign. I'm sure you're gonna get a call soon :) I have my mind made up I will do something as soon as I start earning.

    Thank you for the read... It would give me a lot of contentment if I knew someone, somewhere got inspired of what I wrote, and you all are making it happen for me.

    Thank you again!

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. @ Think Tank

    Thank you for the kind words.
    And thank you for blogrolling me :)

    Please do visit often!

    Oh and yes... I've removed that! I know it can get a little irritating :)

    Peace.

    ReplyDelete
  12. @ Shoe Girl

    Thanks for the read, and welcome to my page.

    Yes, Cindy has done a really good job with that poem :)

    The Pakistani government started a similar program that is, asking children to come to school and giving money when they attended. Free books, free uniform, transportation to and from school.

    Thanks for visiting!
    Do come back :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. That's a Real Thought Provoking Post Girl.Something sure needs to be done.
    My Friend who volunteers for the Teach India Campaign tells me how content he feels when he passes some knowledge to the underpriveleged.In that way we all need to put one step forward.

    This post probably does help in that cause.
    Well done!

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  14. heart touching and sad. I know of one really good NGO for children.
    Do read their blog below

    http://projectwhy.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. awesome post honey!!

    really touching :(

    ReplyDelete
  16. @ Anurag

    Thanks for the read, buddy
    Yup you're right, small steps taken can make a big a big difference if we want to!

    ReplyDelete
  17. @ Shrav

    Thanks for the read, frnd :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. @ Kiran

    Welcome to my page :)
    I will definitely look through the link you gave me. Thanks for that.

    Keep visiting!

    ReplyDelete
  19. this is really moving
    i would call it Awwwwwwsome :)

    you know i feel we all can contribute in our own little ways and make a difference... but only if we all do it

    Well written.. n btw, real nice template

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  20. Once again Mehreen, you are an inspiration to me with every post of urs!!!I am working on a post about street kids currently and am so heartbroken with your post.... You've got some really heart-wrecking pics there!!
    I agree with every word you say there... You almost took the words out of mah mouth... I have been sponsoring for kids as much as I can since a long time and Its glad to know I am not alone in thinking the way I do..
    A small request... I have this new blogpost at one of mah blogs
    http://mywatan.blogspot.com/
    and I request you to share it with as many friends as you can...
    Please spread the word

    Cheers
    Diva

    ReplyDelete
  21. @ Heart'n'Soul

    Thankyou for the very kind comments :)
    Yes it will definitely work if we all work together.

    Thanks for the read!

    ReplyDelete
  22. @ Diva

    Thank you for the honor dear. Yes the pictures are saddening, but let's take them in the right spirit and decide to something about it.

    It's great that you are already sponsoring some. Really commendable!

    I will definitely check out your new blog and that post you're working on :)

    Keep visiting, Girl :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Looking at the li'l talk on education above, I thought I'll add this- Swami Vivekananda rightly said "We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one's own feet."
    ---

    And rightly said Mehreen... We ought to do something to the best of our ability. It is but appalling to see the state young children are in. There was a time when children were employed in the fireworks factories at Sivakasi (where crackers are manufactured for Diwali). They say it is not the case now... But who knows? Even today, I see youngsters helping out at the odd construction site and not to mention the garages...

    The thing is... Yes, they are 'earning'. But, they are forced to. At their households, their parents prefer the money the kids 'earn'. This is what I heard during my final years in school when we tried to look for reasons why young kids prefer 'work' to school...

    There is no use blaming the government dear... For one thing, who elects the government to power? We do... So... I wouldn't wish to divulge on that further...

    I believe in seeing a rainbow after it rains. Needless to say, I maintain it after reading your post too...

    Peace.

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  24. Mehreen,

    Heartening to know all the concern in your heart for children. I will tell you soon something I'm trying to do.


    *smiles*

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  25. Came here via Swats' blog.
    Very beautifully worded post indeed.
    And noble thoughts. Wish the rest of the world looked at it the same way. :(

    ReplyDelete
  26. We'll definitely meet up next time I'm in Pakistan :-) I was planning on coming earlier this year but things got a bit out of hand over there after the tragedy of Benazir so I decided to put it off. It looks like I am going to be in India right after Christmas...

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  27. Hi Mehreen,

    first time here... Its a warm post... I get to see such sights in my hometown too... sadly at times, they are worse than your experience...

    There are numerous NGO's that operate to give these lil kids a good childhood from free education to medical aid.. but there are some people who jus want to abuse their kids and make them work/beg for money...

    I wish the change comes from us all in our generation and the societal perspective on these kinda issues change for good.

    Needless to say, I loved this so much mate... take care...

    Cheers...

    ReplyDelete
  28. very touching indeed..
    was painful to read...

    in this world,
    fraught wid greed...
    the atrocities and our deeds,
    are all for money and our needs



    very well written.

    ReplyDelete
  29. You know, these kids love to love and laugh...
    I wrote about the same issue in my blog long ago...
    Its extremely painful to see them taking away your dirty dishes. I had already decided that when I grow up and earn myself a living, I'll definitely do something for them. If not for the whole lot...at least for some of them.

    Touching and a powerful post!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Read this...

    Dhiru, an 11-year-old Adivasi boy from Cuttack, Orissa. He earns Rs 25 a day. He works from 8 am to 5 pm, carrying heavy marble slabs back and forth at a construction site near my home. He suffers from constant headaches and his legs and arms ache with the strain of lifting the heavy slabs. His parents till a tiny piece of land which yields little, making it difficult to survive. States Dhiru, "I don't like to work, but what can I do? I am forced to work. All children should go to school offering higher classes. So I slowly moved into working."

    As per rough estimates, there are 218 million child labourers around the world over who daily find themselves working long hours under harsh, dangerous and exploitative conditions. This is an issue so closely related to poverty, education, socio-economic structures. Not just checking poverty would help but the government should regularly monitor these children and take steps that these kids do not go back to work as child labourers.

    Good to know that people are still bothered about social issues...Kudos girl...

    ReplyDelete
  31. thats so so so sad when children have to suffer only because we as responsible social individuals cant do anything about it. At times i feel too helpless about this..
    But feels good to know that some people still care and worry and are ready to do anything possible to change the situation!

    ReplyDelete
  32. @ Kartz

    Thankyou for the read. And you quoted is very, very true.
    About the government, you are right again. It's we who choose them, but as the world knows, Pakistan has just come out of a dark phase of dictatorship. The rest is obvious...

    Thankyou for taking out time for a very generous post. Oh and you sent me a link to your "Innocence, No More" in your email. I remember it well because that was your first post I read. I have to say, it stirred me. The issue it highlights is still on my mind, and someday, I intend to write about it also.

    *Smile*

    ReplyDelete
  33. @ Sib

    Yes please do. I'll be waiting anxiously :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. @ A Rebel All the Way

    Thankyou for paying a visit!
    Tell you what, there are many more that think like I do :) And it's something to celebrate. By the will of God, we'll make a better place for them soon! Let's be optimistic! :)

    Keep visiting!

    *Smile*

    ReplyDelete
  35. @ Agnes

    Ooooo I'm jealous now! You're gonna be meeting all your indian friends but not me :'(

    He he he! Kidding!

    Yes things really got out of hand. That time really scared me when she died. The aftermaths were tremendous.

    Do plan coming sooner, if possible!

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. @ Arv

    Welcome to my blog :)

    I'm glad I didn't see the worse side of it, I know how ugly it can get. Frankly, I can't take it. I get tremendously upset over such things. But I'm happy, God has kept the human inside me still alive.

    Thank you for your kind words.
    Please do keep visiting!

    *Smile*

    ReplyDelete
  37. @ Uddyalok

    Thanks for the very kind words!
    Yup you're so right... "are all for money and our needs"... sad on the part of humanity.

    Keep visiting!

    *Smile*

    ReplyDelete
  38. @ Shruti

    I would like it very much if you could send me a link to that post of yours. And it's really wonderful you have such intentions. I know so well there are so many who think like you and me, it makes me very happy indeed.

    Thanks for the kind comments!

    *Smile*

    ReplyDelete
  39. @ Diana

    Dhiru's story is painful. I'm speechless, Diana... I could go on like... "oh i wish i could do this, do that.." But... words fail me.

    Really no words...

    Thankyou for the information you supplied in your comment. Yes, the government should take recurring measures and strictly punish those who encourage child labor and/or child abuse.

    Thankyou for dropping by and caring!

    *Smile*

    ReplyDelete
  40. @ Lena

    Hi Lena! Nice to have you here.

    It is, surely, a sad part of life and the kind of world we live in. And children being most delicate, often suffer the most.

    But the brighter part is, like you said, that many people still care :)

    So there's still hope!

    *Smile*

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  41. "Pakistan has just come out of a dark phase of dictatorship. The rest is obvious..."
    - A silver lining to every dark cloud, a rainbow after every rain;
    A silent wish that no being lives through such dark a phase ever again.

    Peace.

    ReplyDelete
  42. @ Kartz

    Thanks, buddy.

    ReplyDelete
  43. wriiten for a cause.....well be happy that the kid actually ws willing to take money after exchanging the pencils,its better than begging actually .... sometimes its sad though when such kind of things happen.....no child is born...its the condition which forces them to do so....in my country this is worse....ppl beg with a kid on their hand...many actors endorse products...but instead they cud spend few money for thse poor kids....as it wud help them and for a cause or soo.....i hope that after reading ths post ppl would help such kids....i have a frnd , a small kid who worked in a small hotel.....i was shocked as i had seen him cleaning tables and nt going to school....he was barely 6 yrs old.....good yaar

    will read ur other posts soon

    www.weandwords.blogspot.com

    thats our group blog...pls check it and leave ur id on out shout box...u can join that blog....r u in orkut ???

    nice

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Stephen!

    Yes, you're right. And some of these parents become professional and quit any intentions of working for a living. They have a child in their hands and beg with it to give a more pathetic picture. Oh, it must be very saddening to see your friend like that. But there must be something you can do for him, right? Just a little something... and it will at least bring them hope :)

    Thanks for the read!

    I would love to join that blog, only that i dun know how to do it... can u plz guide me?? my id is mehreen.asghar@gmail.com
    i left it on the shout box. Nah I'm not on Orkut, left it a month back, but I'm on facebook, msn, yahoo and gtalk.. take your pick :D

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hey!You've got a grand blog out here. Just chanced a visit from the Writer's Lounge and glad I did.I'm following you...(your blog I mean)

    ReplyDelete
  46. @ Akansha

    Thanks for visiting :) and for following also

    Happy blogging! :)

    ReplyDelete
  47. The writing was very touchy..and the words are heartfelt..the part where he denied the money until he sold his pencils..was very heart-moving!!

    Many have intentions of changing the world..but alas very few do!!

    There is no denial that child labor is present in our society..and we the youth have to do something bout it!!

    P.S. I loved your writing..you got yourself another follower!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. @ Akshat

    Gee... thanks :)
    Today must be my lucky day :)

    WELCOME to my world :)

    Happy blogging!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Mehreen,

    Find me on your page, lady.


    *smiles*

    ReplyDelete
  50. I think it’s the one of the best post you have written, the cause and the passion you show for these Childs really remarkable. I think every person can help of them with different ways, if you find a child in your area whose parents cannot afford fee of their child then you can teach him yourself or by paying his school fee. But it’s not an easy job to do. Once i went to workshop there was a little kid about 8 years old. I asked him about his family and his education, he told me that his parents are not allowed to go school and when I convinced him to go for school, he was afraid of school name and said, I don’t want to go school, i want to work at workshop.

    ReplyDelete
  51. @ Sib

    It's cool to have you here :)
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  52. @ Adeel

    Thanks for the read!
    Yes sadly, parents pressurize their children and make school look fearful in some way or the other..

    Thanks for visiting :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Now I understand why people are so big-a-fan of this post !
    Trust me,Mehreen..this was beautiful!
    The life of a beautiful child who has been posed to ugly circumstances must be something which wants us to cry in pain !

    The post would have been even MORE better,if you would have taken yourself to be a child labourer and wrote your story..just a suggestion.
    Hey,I could write a post on that,btw! :P

    Jokes apart..good work!

    ReplyDelete
  54. @ Crystal

    That sure is a good idea... could have made it even more touching :)

    Thanks... i loved it, maybe i'll try it on some other post :)

    And thanks for visiting dear|

    ReplyDelete
  55. Mehreen girl,

    The new skin is darn cool. So easy on the eyes. Like a coolant almost.

    Great. How'z weekend treating you?


    *smiles*

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi Mehro, its realy good skin, colors are so cool like todays weather. but be careful and take care od ur self from this weather. TC. :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. @ Sib

    Thanks... ya isn't it just simple and more realistic??? i plan to stick with it for longer now

    The weekend went busy, but i loved it :)

    what about yours?

    ReplyDelete
  58. @ Adeel

    Thanks... finally i have something to stick with... warna mujhe to kuch pasand hi nahin ata :/

    i'll be careful, don't worry :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Mehreen,

    I work on weekends, dear. So it was work all the way. No respite. How I wish I had weekends to laze around!
    Ha! Ha!

    Stay good.

    *smiles*

    ReplyDelete
  60. nice write !!!... but dont you think that ... incident catalysed you to write that stuff but what about the actual doing .. i also came across such incidents .. which shook my roots but .. have never been able to really take a step... towards stopping this...i think it happens with all of us .. and perhaps this is the reason because of which we get this kind of topics to write!!!!

    and ya one more thing... i really didn't like the idea of using the term "the third world" .. let them use this word... we are living in the same word .. which every one is living.. our way of thinking , dressing , culture, or economy may be different .. but atleast we dont burgean the use of this terminology.... ( dont know whether i am right or wrong .. ;) )

    ReplyDelete
  61. @ A techie

    True, very true... :)
    All i can say is this the least i can do at this moment, but someday when i can do something about it, i certainly will.

    "Third world"... another reader raised this point, I replied him regarding that, you can check that. Other than that, I apologize if that hurts the sentiments of any of my reader. Will keep it in mind for future posts

    Thanks for visiting!

    Happy blogging :)

    ReplyDelete
  62. hey first time im coming her and i loved ur blog.
    the post was like really really touching... it is really sad but how much ever one or a handfull of people do, i feel it wont make that big a difference cos there are soo many such people and im also not saying that i dont help a couple of kids on the road..
    but at least there is so much talk about it.. and so many people like u are so concerned.. so im sure theres hope..

    ReplyDelete
  63. child labor is really cruel.. It makes one want to cry out for being so selfish.. the worst part is when we forget about it..
    i think ull like dis..
    http://theredpitstop.blogspot.com/2008/09/humble-salute.html

    ReplyDelete
  64. @ Harini

    Welcome to my page!
    Ofcourse there's hope :) And we certainly can make a difference :)

    Do drop by again :)

    ReplyDelete
  65. @ Tifossi

    Welcome, frnd...
    I checked your page, the link that you sent me... remarkable... commendable!

    Thanks for sharing it with me!

    *Smile*

    ReplyDelete
  66. LOVE the new design :-))))))))))))

    ReplyDelete
  67. i have a lump in my throat n an empty feelin inside after readin this post...
    we all see it everyday to jus dismiss it from memory a few seconds later...
    neva really stop n think abt it...its jus a way of life for us i guess...

    but today i think its gonna b vy different for me...

    i really like this blog...blogrollin ya

    ReplyDelete
  68. @ Agnes

    Thanks :)
    I plan to stick with it. The last one was too flashy.

    ReplyDelete
  69. @ Mayz

    I am happy this humble post made you think about it. Thankyou for the concern. That's what this post was intended to do.

    Thanks for the blogroll :)
    Please do come back!

    *Smile*

    ReplyDelete
  70. I m really moved by this article.... Man it gave me goosebumps!!! Loved your all articles... Can i put u intomy friends list as i wld like to c updates of ur blog again n again...? Have a great day... Waiting for next update :)

    ReplyDelete
  71. @ Priyanshu

    Welcome to my page :)
    I'm glad you liked my posts. Yes, you are most welcome to put me in your list.

    Thanks for the generous comments.

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  72. Hi Mehreen,

    You know, it takes a long time to think what I should write.

    Kaash, lot of people really can think the same. Liked the way you’ve added feelings in that writings.

    Btw, write a hindi poem—will get a surprise!

    Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Mehreen,

    I've been itching to read this post ever since i read about it on Cinderella's blog but a stupid blocking rule at office (which blocks all websites with the word love in it) kept me away for days now... but well, i finally got here...

    Eradication of child labor is a non-negotiable. I'm trying to do my two cents worth but you went 2 steps further and inspired many here to do their part. kudos for that. Everything else i've wanted to say has already been covered by the many smart bloggers who've already commented.

    Did u watch the movie "Pay it forward" ? What a beautiful lesson to learn there!

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  74. love your new template! amazing!

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  75. @ Roy

    Hello Roy :)
    You may take long in posting, but they are always classy. Your blog promises a good read every time.

    Thanks for visiting

    *Smile*

    ReplyDelete
  76. @ Lena

    Thank you :) See, it's really simple and with all those girly-girly colors :)

    ReplyDelete
  77. @ Trevor

    Hi Trevor! Welcome to my page :)

    Thank you for the very kind words. Mine was a humble attempt, it was all my blogger friends that made it a success. So most of the credit goes to you all :)

    No I haven't watched it. Will do so now.

    Please do visit often. Thank you!

    :)

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  78. Hi,
    So amazing that even a young kid knows the difference between begging and earning a respectable livelihood .
    Welcome to my blog

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  79. @ Femin

    Welcome to my blog too :D

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  80. More than the write up the intentions behind it needs a great applause and a tight hug :)


    Great going!!


    but I don't think the parents of the kid who sold the pencils to you have any morals. Whatever be the situation they shouldn't have let their kid do that work!!!

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  81. @ Twisted Elegance

    Thanks for the read :)
    You are 100% right in saying that my friend... may be they had, may be they didn't. God knows.

    Gratias... for your very kind words. It's an honor ppl gave time to reading this one.

    Do come back plz :)

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  82. Very thoughtful of you to write this for those li'l darlings who have been stripped of their rights to have a normal childhood.

    Wonderful post dear!

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  83. Hi Sameera

    Thankyou for the read... :)
    We missed you here at bloggerville!

    ReplyDelete
  84. Very touching post Mehreen, as many others am glad to read these thoughts coming from the younger generation, there is a hope that if this awareness and pain continues it might take us into a better future...inshallah..where the world will be a better place to live...Keep it up...

    A couplet constantly dominating my thoughts while I am writing you this....
    sharm aati hai ke ham us shehar mein hai ke jahan
    na mile bheek toh laakhon ka guzaara bhi na ho

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  85. @ Sadiya

    Welcome back dearie... I'm very happy you liked this one :)
    The couplet is sad, but beautiful and true.

    Oh yes, the younger generation still cares and so there's still hope :) Inshallah... this will be a better place soon.

    Do come back!

    Happy Blogging! :)

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  86. even now i am thinking wht made u write that...i felt that it only happened in india .....have a gr8 week

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  87. Great post to voice humanity !
    Thanks for sharing.

    Greetings from Indonesia.

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  88. @ Tazeen

    Welcome to my page :)
    Thanks for the read!

    ReplyDelete
  89. @ Tikno

    Thankyou for the kind comment :)
    And hello to Indonesia from me :)

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  90. @ Stephen

    Pakistan and India have similar problems Steph...
    Thanks for liking it this much my frnd!

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  91. A touched story. I also live in developing country and this condition is not far different to here. There was a case here where a gang forcing children to become a beggar. The children was organized by unresponsible person (the gang).

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  92. @ Tikno

    That's really awful. In this case, I think the govt. should take steps to stop such gangs to bully children like that...

    Thanks for your concern!

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  93. It's very poignant and saddening... Child labour is one thing that disturbs me always. it's very hard to see their life lost and innocence ruined in front of our eyes.

    Sadhguru jaggi vasudev, a spiritual leader in India, has asked his volunteers to skip-a-meal-a-week, and donate that cost you spend, say 30 Rs, to a child's education. I think it's a novel and effective way of helping children.

    Pls check out the links below....

    http://www.ishafoundation.org/skip-a-meal

    http://www.ishafoundation.org/Newsletter/Skip-a-Meal-Video.isa

    Though i've not read much of your posts, I would definitely say this is one of your best.

    Kudos friend for your great work!

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  94. WarmSunshine the most beautiful post yet. I been aware of the other poor children for many years, and my heart always cries, why they cannot have what my child has. Great work, my donation money always been going toward children, because sometimes they will probably never know what childhood is. Thanks again for sharing your beautiful thoughts, and inspirations. You are angel to the little angels. Anna :)

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  95. Yes, that was in deed a thought provoking, pain filled and heavy post which is more complicated than it actually looks. The root of such an evil in the present day society is only because of “disparity of wealth.” There may be many reasons for this inequality but still we can HOPE of achieving equality among the people living here to make such lovely children know what “childhood” really is.
    As you said earlier, we should do our bit to promote the cause or donate the money in such children’s welfare organizations or any orphanages. Apart from this if we can ignite the a passionate feeling for such innocent children in the hearts of all the people living around us then I think it would be of a major step in improving the condition of those orphans or street children.
    I sincerely thank you for posting such heart touching feelings.
    Keep up the good work.
    You may be interested to read one of my old posts on the similar feelings and lines.
    The link :
    http://purplefancier.blogspot.com/2010/01/how.html

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