Parents
Raju's father drives a cycle rickshaw. His mother sometimes helps at a small food stall. Their income changes with pilgrim traffic, rain, heat, and local festivals, so planning beyond a few days can be difficult.
Composite Student Story
Raju, age 9
Raju's story reflects the life of a child whose family income changes with weather, visitors, and daily work.
Sleeping Place
Raju sleeps near his father and younger brother in a corner of a narrow room. Noise from the lane may continue late into the evening, but he learns to sleep beside conversation, cooking, and movement.
Toys, Games, Friends
He plays cricket with a plastic ball and a broken bat. If there is no space, he plays marbles, runs short races, or walks errands with friends. The lane is his playground, but adults must watch for traffic.
Meals and Water
Breakfast may be tea and roti. Dinner is usually rice, dal, or vegetables if the day's earnings allow it. Water is carried and stored carefully, especially during hot months when everyone drinks more.
Toilets and Body Care
The family uses a shared toilet. Washing clothes and bathing are planned around water availability. At school, Raju is reminded to wash hands, keep notebooks clean, and arrive in a presentable way.
Tasks and Dreams
Raju fetches water, buys small items, and watches his little brother when adults are busy. He wants to speak English so he can talk to visitors without feeling shy and maybe one day work where people respect his words.