While the people are preparing to welcome the New Year 2016 with fervour , the destitute and the homeless, on the other side of the spectrum, when asked what the day means to them, just looked up with a blank face.
Everybody is inclined to ring in the new year in tune with his status. But for those who have no status to boast of, the day is like another day, shorn of any special glow on which they have to sweat like other days to stop the stabs of hunger.
Asked what new year eve or new year signifies, a boy, Ajay who hardly manages two square meals a day stares at this correspondent with blank eyes. “This means nothing to us. It is for the rich. However, if they are kind enough to give some gifts or help us with some foodies we would be grateful to them,” he said, eyes reflecting despair.
However, for the people who can afford to be a little kind to the hapless have no time to spare a moment of their prized time to them.
Payal who was found outside a gaudy mall, decorated to welcome the new year, selling balloons, said there will be no celebration for them. “I would sell balloons like the rest of the days. How can we enjoyIJ We are poor. My father hardly earns to provide enough food to the family members,” she muttered.
Asked if she longs to celebrate the day like others of her age, she beamed. “Yes. But such would never happen. We are poor,” she sighed.
Balwa who was found sitting outside his tent at Parade Ground said he would will sit outside as usual on the day. “ Trade fair being organized now, I would wait for alms to be given to me. It would be spent to buy the day’s food,” he said.