Bangalore:
Bangalore has been living the Metro dream for over two years now; a Metro which promises to change the way Bangaloreans live and travel. But what about the kids of migrant labourers who are making the Metro happen? Luckily, someone has finally thought about them.
Anupama Reddy, a qualified engineer, has turned teacher and caretaker for over 30 kids in Bangalore's cramped tin-sheds.
"Everytime I was passing by, I always used to notice kids playing on the roads and I realised these were kids of construction workers. I stay close by. I was in fact guilty with me being comfortable, and the kids who are responsible for the Metro to happen, idling their time. They don't have anyone to take care of them properly," said Anupama.
These kids now have big ambitions. When NDTV spoke to them, they said they wanted to be doctors and engineers when they grow up.
Initially, Anupama faced hostility. The workers couldn't understand why an affluent woman was turning up everyday offering to teach their kids and feed them too. But now they are grateful to her.
"Madamji teaches her, and my daughter is speaking English and even Kannada. She is learning lots," said Sunitha, a Metro labourer.
The Bangalore Metro spends Rs 300 crore for every kilometre of rail laid. Even a tiny fraction of that could improve conditions for such children.
When NDTV spoke to the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation about the conditions these children live in, the officials refused to accept the truth.
"These rules for children facilities have been laid down," said Yashwant Chavan, from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited.
NDTV: But it is not being followed. We have seen...
Chavan: It is being followed. We get reports every time. We are monitoring, okay.
A flat denial - and there, a childhood denied for many deserving tots.