Ludhiana: 9-year-old boy sells bhelpuri near liquor vend to make ends meet

LUDHIANA: At the tender age of nine, when most children play with toys, Ranjot Singh of Ludhiana is selling bhelpuri to eke out a living. Like him, his two sisters, aged 11 and 6, also quit studies last year as they could not afford a smartphone. Things got worse when their father died of cardiac arrest in March this year as their mother remains unwell.
The family was unable to have a meal in a day and no relative or friend came forward to help. With no option left, Ranjot, a resident of Khajoor Chowk, Salem Tabri, set up a cart outside a liquor vend near Jalandhar Bypass to sell bhelpuri.
Talking to the TOI, Ranjot said, “My father was an autorickshaw driver. Last year when lockdown was imposed, my sisters and I had to quit studies as we could not afford a smartphone. When our father died, I started working. I only know how to make bhelpuri, so I set up a cart near the liquor vend.”
He pays Rs 20 per day rent for the handcart and on an average gets 20 to 25 customers. “I work from 9am to 10pm and earn Rs 200 to Rs 300 daily.”
Ranjot’s mother Komal said, “I remain unwell and am not able to work. I feel sad that my son has to work at this age. After the death of my husband, none of our relatives came to help. I also approached a few politicians, but they too did not help as my husband’s death certificate is in the possession of my in-laws, who refused to give it to me. All I want for my children is education and a normal life. They were studying in a nearby private school, but had to drop out. I am scared when my son goes to work near the vend as drunk people often create nuisance there.”
A video of Ranjot had gone viral on social media after which some city residents came forward to help him. Harsh Vardhan, a resident of Old City, said, “After watching the video I visited his house and gave ration to the family. I have also requested my friends to help them.”
Komal said, “On Sunday, I received a call from an NRI who has assured to help with my children’s education.”