Many children now dread getting up in the morning. It is like their childhood has suddenly ended.
On a recent morning, Rahul, the 11-year-old resident of the Devaraj Urs housing blocks, stood in an empty street in Tumakuru, an industrial hub in southern India, the sun rising over his left shoulder. The vacant look in his dark brown eyes said: What am I doing here?
His dad, Kempraju, a lifelong garbage scavenger from one of the lowest castes, towered over him, lean and glassy-eyed, arms covered in blue homemade tattoos.
You ready? Mr. Kempraju asked.
Rahul slowly nodded.
Where are your shoes?
Rahul looked down at his bare feet.
I dont have any, he said.
Mr. Kempraju said the work was not respectable but he wanted to keep Rahul out of trouble and needed the extra hands.read more
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