CHAPTER IV SETTING AND RESPONDENTS The first part of this chapter highlights the Setting-casting light on the background and place where the research was conducted and introduces the profile of the respondents in the second part. The second part on Respondents- includes select narratives provided by different categories of children (not included for statistical analysis) and demographic details of respondents in the study. SETTING City of Chennai Tamil Nadu is the most urbanised state in India. The city of Chennai, its capital is the fourth largest metropolitan area in India with a population of 4,681,087 and the urban/metropolitan population is 8,696,010 (Provisional Census 2011). Since the late 1990s, the city of Chennai has been witnessing phenomenal industrial growth (Wikipedia, 2008). Service contributes to 45% of the economic activity in the state, followed by manufacturing at 34% and agriculture at 21%. The Government is the major investor in the state with 51% of total investments, followed by private Indian investors at 29.9% and foreign private investors at 14.9%. Software development, business process outsourcing and more recently electronics manufacturing have emerged as major contributors to the city's economic growth. The city is now the second largest exporter of Information and Technology (IT) and IT enabled services in the country. In recent years, Chennai has emerged as an electronic manufacturing hub in South Asia with
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CHAPTER IV
SETTING AND RESPONDENTS
The first part of this chapter highlights the Setting-casting light on the
background and place where the research was conducted and introduces the
profile of the respondents in the second part. The second part on
Respondents- includes select narratives provided by different categories of
children (not included for statistical analysis) and demographic details of
respondents in the study.
SETTING
City of Chennai
Tamil Nadu is the most urbanised state in India. The city of Chennai, its
capital is the fourth largest metropolitan area in India with a population of
4,681,087 and the urban/metropolitan population is 8,696,010 (Provisional
Census 2011). Since the late 1990s, the city of Chennai has been witnessing
phenomenal industrial growth (Wikipedia, 2008). Service contributes to 45%
of the economic activity in the state, followed by manufacturing at 34% and
agriculture at 21%. The Government is the major investor in the state with
51% of total investments, followed by private Indian investors at 29.9% and
foreign private investors at 14.9%.
Software development, business process outsourcing and more recently
electronics manufacturing have emerged as major contributors to the city's
economic growth. The city is now the second largest exporter of Information
and Technology (IT) and IT enabled services in the country. In recent years,
Chennai has emerged as an electronic manufacturing hub in South Asia with
108 Chapter IV
multinational corporations. Chennai is currently the largest electronics
hardware exporter in India, accounting for 45% of the total exports in
2010-2011 which encouraged the Government of India to promote Chennai
as the Electronic Manufacturing and R&D hub of the world in a span of 15
years. Chennai has also emerged as an Offshore Engineering hub due to the
presence of Offshore Technology and Renewable Energy research
institutions. The city accounts for 60 per cent of India's automotive exports,
and is considered to be the ‘Detroit of Asia'. The city is tagged as the
Banking Capital of India, for its vibrant banking culture and trading and has
emerged as an important centre for banking and finance in the world market.
Chennai leads in the health care sector and is considered the ‘Health Capital
of India’. The Chennai Aero Park, a proposed aerospace design,
manufacturing and Maintenance Park is set to become the largest integrated
aerospace ecosystem in the world.
Vision 2026 for Chennai
‘Vision 2026’ envisages Chennai as a prime metropolis which will be more
liveable, economically vibrant and environmentally sustainable with better
assets for the future generations. Several projects are commissioned to make
Chennai a prime metropolis. The projects include
Elevated Expressway, Chennai- a 19 kilo meter expressway extending from
Chennai Port to Maduravoyal is under construction in the city of Chennai.
Starting at Chennai Port (Gate no. 10),it stretches along the bank of the
Cooum river to Koyambedu and along the median of NH4 to Maduravoyal.
The estimates of the project have been worked out at Rs.1468 crores
including the R&R and LA components amounting to Rs.345 crores (GoTN,
2008).
Setting and Respondents 109
The East Coast Elevated Expressway, Chennai - A proposed 9.7 kilometres
elevated expressway in the city of Chennai which runs along the coast of
Bay of Bengal crossing the Adayar Estuary passing by the western side of
Broken Bridge, Chennai (Wikipedia, 2010).
Chennai Metro Rail Project covers a stretch of 45.046 kilometres in 2
12. Lady Rani Meyymmai Higher Secondary School, Mandevali
13. Anderson Rajagopal Girls Higher Secondary School, Parry’s Corner
14. YMCA Boy’s Town, Parry’s Corner
15 CNDT Boys Higher Secondary School, T. Nagar
16 Rapheal’s School, Santhome
17. Government Higher Secondary School, Karapakkam
18 Government School, Medavakkam
124 Chapter IV
The Government and Private schools attended by children are about 3-20
kilometres away from Kannagi Nagar. Reasons for not enrolling in the
school at Kannagi Nagar include the school is not an English medium
school, lacks adequate infrastructure, qualified teachers. Children also
reported they preferred studying in schools outside as they had been studying
there long, school provided scholarships (especially to those affected by the
tsunami) and also as they wanted to be away from Kannagi Nagar.
RESPONDENTS
In-depth Interviews
Thirty four in depth interviews were conducted with children including,
those who have dropped out of school, children enrolled at the Alternate
Education Centre, children irregular to school, children in school and
children with special needs at the CBR Centre. Presented are summary of
fifteen in depth interviews which aid as a prelude to the analysis of research.
The interviews provide glimpse on the changes and challenges faced by
children due to internal displacement. Attempts were made to intervene
suitably with each of the respondents.
Setting and Respondents 125
I INDRANI (name changed)
Age - 17 years Education - Standard IX, school dropout, physically challenged Marital Status - Married, one child aged 6 months Impact of Event - Moderate stress Self Esteem Score - 12
Indrani hails from a very poor family. Displaced to Kannagi Nagar after a
massive eviction drive, her family has struggled to re-establish themselves.
Her parents struggled to make ends meet and the children were neglected as
a result. During this challenge, her father, an alcoholic had been in and out of
hospital. Her mother, a petty shop owner had to shoulder responsibilities of
the household. The only steady source of financial support was the disability
allowance of Rs. 500 which her mentally challenged younger sister received.
As needs of the younger daughter were met by an NGO (lunch, medical aid,
clothes), the parents needed to fend for themselves. This was however short-
lived when their daughter Indrani’s domestic problems changed their lives.
Indrani, their first born was a student of the Government Higher Secondary
School, Kannagi Nagar. As a student, she was not interested in her studies
and failed in all the examinations. Her mild handicap was always a source of
concern to her. As a student, Indrani was involved in a brief relationship with
a boy in her neighbourhood. She later was involved in another relationship
with an older person, an auto driver who resided in the city who made trips
to Kannagi Nagar. In her 9th grade, much against the wishes of her parents,
she got married and left her home to live in the city.
Indrani’s life changed soon after. The couple lived in a slum in the city. Due
to her inability to manage household matters, her husband’s unmarried older
sister moved into their home. Early in marriage, Indrani felt her husband did
not live up to the promises made. He never spent time or lavished on her the
attention he did before they got married.
Within months of marriage Indrani became pregnant. She had to be rushed
in for an emergency caesarean section as high blood pressure was a threat
to her life and to that of the child. Her parents had to pledge the little
126 Chapter IV
savings they had and cared for her through this difficult time. There was
little support for Indrani from her husband as he spent time in the company
of his friends, drinking. As a young mother, Indrani had become used to
physical violence at home as she went back to live in her husband’s house.
As the torture was unbearable, she returned with her child to her parents'
home and awaits a change in her husband’s behavior. She hopes he will
soon come to take them back.
Indrani has regrets about entering marriage early but she says there is no
point regretting the past. As she is married now, she has accepted her
situation and has accepted violence as part of married life! Her consolation
remains…“he loves our child” and is hopeful that after their second child
(which she is planning in a time of two years) was born, he would realize his
responsibilities and settle down to family life.
Indrani’s family loathes her husband and her mother keeps taunting her
saying ‘he is useless and the biggest mistake she made was to marry him’.
As they are the only support to her, she silently bears all the humiliation.
Indrani regrets having discontinued school. On continuing her studies in
correspondence mode, she shared she would never be permitted as her
husband expected her to look after him and the child. In her mother’s house,
she remains confined in the four walls. As her mother’s home is close to the
school, she avoids coming outdoors to save herself the embarrassment of
meeting her fellow classmates, who she feels will laugh at her.
Even in her mother’s house, Indrani is not at peace. Her husband often visits
but every visit only adds to misery. The family is embarrassed by his
behaviour which makes them the laughing stock of the neighbourhood. On
one visit, under the influence of alcohol he physically assaulted not only
Indrani but her younger sister as well. Her parents in a rage of anger
registered a police case against him. The family has some respite as her
husband has not come back. While a sense of outward peace prevails, her
parents are concerned about how they will support their daughter and child
and Indrani is unsure of what the future holds for her!
Setting and Respondents 127
II SWAMY (name changed) Age - 15 years Education - Standard V, school dropout, breadwinner of family Impact of Event - Moderate Stress Self Esteem Score - 14
Swamy was about five years old when he witnessed his father murder his
mother. His father went to serve a seven year jail term. He was forced to live
with his grandmother. Unable to care for the boy, she admitted him at the
YMCA Boy’s Town Home, Parrys Corner, Chennai, while she cared for his
older sister at home. As their home was razed down for construction of a
flyover they lost most of what they possessed. Their only respite was
allocation of a house in Kannagi Nagar. Displacement changed life for the
three members of Swamy’s family. A daily wage earner, the grandmother
found it difficult to travel far to work. She continued to do odd jobs but the
income was never sufficient to meet the needs of her young granddaughter and
herself. By then the grand- daughter, four years older to Swamy dropped out
of school and took care of domestic needs- cooking, cleaning and fetching
water. On his visits home on holidays, Swamy kept hearing of the
grandmothers woes of her inability to find regular work and make ends meet.
As the neighbourhood had many children pursuing work, finding work with
their help was not difficult. He made a decision to start working and that was
the last he saw of his school.
At the age of ten Swamy took up odd jobs which helped meet his daily needs.
As he was not satisfied with his earnings he joined the company of local boys
and began stealing. Being a crime prone area he was mentored by others and
continued without being caught …..this was a matter of great pride to him!
Due to his daring acts, he became extremely popular among his peers. The
boys in his company looked up to him as he could threaten and exhort money
easily. He is presently one of the most feared ‘rowdies’ around!
The neighbourhood breathed a sigh of relief as Swamy and many of his friends
found work in the city and are away for months. They return back occasionally
during the month. Swamy worked at a place which engaged children for
moulding statues. There he not only earned wages for work done but was
128 Chapter IV
provided three meals a day, tea during breaks, shelter and allowances during
festivals. With this regular source of money flow to the house, the household
needs were met. His aged grandmother was relieved.
All was well till his father served his prison term and returned back to the
family. The steady flow of money which his son provided for the home is used
to procure alcohol. The father stayed at home the whole day, drinking and
viling away his time. Tired of the violence at home, Swamy’s sister also
decided to move out of the confines of the house to earn a living. Lured by the
elements in area she joined a drama company .As her needs were met by the
employer, she too returned home only once in a while. Swamy continued to
provide for household needs and never spoke ill of his father in any of the
interviews. Though he refrained from speaking of his mother, his eyes always
swelled up with tears on recollections of her. When coaxed into readmitting
himself to school, he communicated an eagerness to do so, but his
responsibility to provide for his family prevented him from doing so.
Among his peers, Swamy is a ‘hero’. While he handed over all that he earned to his grandmother, she always gave him an amount of Rs. 50/-, which he could use as he pleased. He spent the amount on food and smoke. He shared that though he had tasted alcohol, he never took a fancy to it. He lavished gifts on his friends and even managed to save up a small amount with which he bought a small gold pendant for himself which he proudly wears. He shared that he liked to hang around the school with his friends hoping to get the attention of girls. Though he was party to all that his friends did to harass the female students, he was never in a relationship like them nor had an inclination for the same.
In February 2011, Swamy reported that his sister got married. The family had no news of the marriage. Swamy was disturbed and concerned about her well- being. He visited her and came back happy that she was doing well. Within a months’ time his sister conceived and was back in his house. He has to work harder as there are additional expenses. Swamy faced challenges at his workplace. He no longer enjoyed the favour of his employer and appeared to be dissatisfied with work. Swamy discontinued work and is on the lookout for other openings. While that happens, Swamy does odd jobs to meet the needs of his family and his need for survival. Going back to school, he says would never happen for him!
Setting and Respondents 129
III RAM (name changed) Age - 13 years Education - Standard III, school dropout Impact of Event - Severe stress Self-esteem score - 8
Thirteen year old Ram dropped out of school when he was in the 3rd standard. His mother was murdered under mysterious circumstances. He recollects someone having offered her a poisoned drink. Tragedy followed one after the other. Their house was gutted following a fire that broke out. Ram refused to accept that the fire was accidental and claims that someone had done it deliberately. Life thereafter changed Ram. Ram’s father remarried stating that there would be someone to look after Ram, but the situation only became worse. His step mother had problems having him as a part of the household. Though allotted a house in Kannagi Nagar, his father continued to live in the city. Ram was sent to Kannagi Nagar to be looked after by his father’s brother and his family. That was the last time he attended school. Ram shared the pain of his father’s remarriage and limited meetings with him. As his cousin’s in the uncle’s family are grown up and had moved out of their home, Ram is the only child in the house. He was never enrolled in the school at Kannagi Nagar.
A sweeper, Ram’s aunt begins her day clearing garbage. Ram assists her in her work. He walks several kilometers picking up rags, which he sells. The money is handed over to his aunt who provides him food. He shares responsibilities on the domestic front. His day begins early, fetching water. He does all the shopping and runs errands. Towards the afternoon, Ram is often spotted near the school as all his friends are there. Extremely popular among his peers, Ram yearns for parental love and is shattered as his father has neglected him. He spends his leisure time on the street. He looks dirty and wears torn clothes. Bathing and grooming happens only if the family goes for an outing.
His friends were very keen that he joins them in school. He looked forward to the same. However, his aunt’s family had other plans for him ….
(An attempt was made to enroll Ram in school. Frequent visits to the house and meeting with his foster family yielded no results. His aunt though outwardly welcoming sensed the researcher’s frequent visits would force her to admit the child in school. Ram was sent away to a relative’s house so that they could not be pressurized to admit the child in school.)
130 Chapter IV
IV NAINA (name changed) Age - 15 years Education - Standard V, school dropout , enrolled at AE Centre Impact of Event - Moderate Stress Self esteem score- 11
“……..I want to go back to Pudupet. My father died when I was very young but
my mother worked hard to feed my three brothers and me. Our house was
destroyed in a fire and the remains were brought down by a bulldozer. As we
had no other place to go for shelter we had to stay on the streets for nearly a
week. Very few of our belongings could be salvaged. Thereafter, a few officials
provided us food and gave us tokens for house allotment at Kannagi Nagar. We
were scared to move there as we had heard so many ‘bad’ things about the
place. My mother found it increasingly difficult to travel far for work and there
was little food for us to eat. She found it very difficult to take care of the family
with her meager earnings. My brothers could not get enrolled in the local school
and were forced to drop out and find work outside Kannagi Nagar.
All this happened a month away prior to the school final exams. After moving
I had irregular attendance in school as I was unaccustomed to travelling alone
by bus for long distances and was often scared to do so. I did however
complete my exams but the school was unwilling to issue me a transfer
certificate and hence could not get enrolled in the local school at Kannagi
Nagar. I thereafter joined St. Lazarus School at Pattinambakkam which was
closer and admitted students without a transfer certificate. I dropped out six
months later as the commute was long, expensive and tiring. My elder brothers
moved out in search of work and gradually distanced they from us barring my
youngest brother who keeps in touch and supports us Rs. 2000/-month.
It has been a struggle moving to Kannagi Nagar. We do not have food to eat
on many days. I feel sad to see my siblings at work and their struggle to earn a
living. I spend all my time doing domestic chores and feel bad seeing children
going to school. I yearn to get back to school. A teacher at the Alternate
Education Centre identified me and advised my mother to send me here so that
I could be integrated back in school after a year. I am at this centre for the past
one year and look forward to joining my friends back in school….”
Setting and Respondents 131
V ABHISHEK (name changed) Age - 11 years Education - Standard V, school dropout, enrolled at Alternate
Education Centre Impact of Event - Severe stress Self-esteem score - 10
Abhishek and his family lived near the sea. Life then was carefree and enjoyable. Recollecting his earlier days he says, “all the children in the neighbourhood walked to school and played together on the beach in the evening”. His father would bring home fresh catch of fish which they relished with rice. There was never shortage of food and their needs were all met. Occasionally as a family they went to the theatre as well!
The tsunami of 2004, cost the family dearly. They lost their house, nets and for his father, livelihood. The officials did not let them put up their houses in the same area stating safety concerns. They were forced to move to Kannagi Nagar. Moving to Kannagi Nagar made things worse for the family as his father a fisherman, could not find work and his mother a domestic worker struggled commuting to the city every day. His father, he said made no attempt to seek alternate options and spent his time drinking. Violence at home increased. His father fell ill and they could not afford treatment. He did not live long after moving to Kannagi Nagar.
After his father’s demise, his mother he said, wanted to marry another man in the neighbourhood. She spent all her spare time in his company. Due to his protests against their relationship, she joined him in a school with hostel facility outside Kannagi Nagar. He stayed there for a few days. He missed his mother and sister so much that he ran away and got back home.
The coordinator of the Alternate Education Centre spotted him and encouraged his mother to enroll him at the Centre. He expressed a desire to be enrolled back at his school in Pattinambakkam. Having witnessed violence in his own home and in those of all children, he wants to join the police force and put all those who drink behind bars!
At the Centre, he is vocal, happy to be with other children and looks forward to being back in school. He is popular among his peers. His leisure includes playing marbles which provides him up to Rs. 15 a day. He loves his sister and fondly spoke about her.
132 Chapter IV
VI AAKRITI (name changed) Age - 17 years Education - Standard IX, school dropout, married, mother Impact of Event - Mild Self Esteem Score - 10
Aakriti is a seventeen year old girl. On moving to Kannagi Nagar, she refused to
enroll in the school in the resettlement area. Travelling to school outside the
resettlement, she was befriended by a ‘rowdy’ in the area. Initially, she tried to
ignore his advances but as it became a daily affair the two became friends. Aakirti
used to leave for school in the morning but would detour elsewhere with the boy.
Her friend, an auto driver, a dropout himself, grew up in a disturbed home
environment. Aakriti was well aware of his family background -he had lost his
father early, has a brother serving a sentence in prison for murder, his helpless
young wife, a school dropout herself struggles caring for a baby on her own,
a dependent handicapped sister and a mother who struggles to support her
family. She was lured into the relationship with all the attention he showered
upon her. The two would spend time together in parks, beach and in the auto.
She began losing interest in studies. At school she was alone withoutcompany of
friends. She became very irregular to school and was very uncomfortable being
there. The school authorities sent messages through her asking her parents to
come to school to discuss their child’s progress. Aakriti never carried these
messages to her parents and would find excuses to get away. When they
pressed, she decided to drop out but did not inform her parents about the same.
Aakriti’s parents were shattered when they heard the news that their daughter
studying in the ninth standard had run away. It was only then that the parents
went to school to enquire about her whereabouts. They were shocked to know
that the school had been trying to fix a meeting with them for long. There was
no news of the two for a few days. They received communication from her over
the phone, consenting to return only on condition that they will agree to get her
married to the boy. The parents were left with no option but to consent to their
marriage which was conducted at the community temple. Aged seventeen years
she delivered a baby and the couple are supported by her parents.
Completing her education is the last thing on her mind. She has resigned herself
to her duties and responsibilities as a wife and a mother.
Setting and Respondents 133
VII PAWAN (name changed) Age - 17 years Education - Standard XII, not permitted to continue studies Impact of Event - Mild stress Self Esteem Score - 16
Seventeen year old Pawan is a student at a nearby school. His house was
demolished and they had to wait long to be allotted a house in Kannagi
Nagar. His family lived with a relative till house allotment. Accommodating
a family of five was difficult but there was no other option. Though they
were provided a roof over their head at Kannagi Nagar, there were many
problems. His parents had to explore livelihood options and on many days,
there was no work and food. The family battled poverty on a day to day
basis. During the demolition and transit there were unexpected expenses
which resulted in the family borrowing money. He felt he will need to work
and earn to pay off.
Though both parents work to earn a living, by the end of the month there is
no food and the children ate the noon meal obtained at school. Pawan does
not like the school at Kannagi Nagar and is happy going to the Government
School at Thoraipakkam. He feels it is best to be away from the area which is
notorious for crime. Being away for a short time during the day provided him
time and space to concentrate on his study.
Though a good student, he lamented that there is no peace at home or within.
In addition to problems at home he has a greater problem which makes him
restless and disturbed all the time. He feels that he is “trapped inside a man’s
body, but is destined to be a woman”. He has shared his concerns with his
parents and sisters who initially laughed about it. Though his family is aware
of his feelings, they feel that he will grow out of these thoughts and feelings.
Discussion on this issue was never encouraged at home. As there are many
transgender in the area, he has approached them and they gladly consented to
welcome him to their fold. He has many friends in the local Aravani
Association and has had opportunities to meet the office bearers at the
134 Chapter IV
Aravanigal Welfare Board. However, he is delaying his decision to join them
for fear that his family will be ostracised and that no one will marry his
younger sister. Because of his friendship with transgendered persons in the
locality, he faces discrimination. Though he is determined to be part of them,
he expresses a desire to pursue his education and become a teacher.
Pawan was a good student and had participated in several competitions and
won many prizes. He is interested in Tamil literature and his aim in life is to
become a Lecturer in Tamil. Pawan was awaiting his standard XII
examinations results when news spread in the community that he went
missing. A case of missing person was registered at the local police station.
The parents were up in arms against the members of local Aravani group
accusing them of kidnapping their son. They challenged one of them that if
their son did not return, they would put him behind bars. Though he reported
of not knowing Pawan’s whereabouts this transgendered person for the fear
of going to prison, traced Pawan and got him back. His parents have since
then restricted his movements and have kept him locked at home. He is not
permitted to join college and continue his education ….an end to his long
cherished dream of being the first in the family to enroll for higher
education.
Setting and Respondents 135
VIII MANOHAR (name changed) Age - 15years Education - Standard VII, irregular to school Impact of Event - Moderate stress Self Esteem score - 10
“….Even though we had financial difficulties my parents and I lived happily
before we were forced to move here. With all our savings spent on relocating
and establishing a household at Kannagi Nagar, it seems as if we could never
be happy again. On moving here I was regular to school. I used to get good
marks. My mother encouraged me to study well.
After moving here, my mother fell sick. She was suffering from tuberculosis.
We never saw the urgency in getting her treatment and her condition
worsened every day. There are no hospitals here where treatment could be
availed free of cost and hence we never thought of getting her medical help.
Due to pressing needs at home to make ends meet, my father could not miss
even one day of work. I had to stay back home to take care of my mother.
Our relatives live in the city and as this place is far away they found it
difficult to help. I had to cook, clean, fetch water and wash clothes. Till my
mother was able, she ensured I went to school. I passed all my exams and
was studying in standard VII when my mother died. It was a big loss. I miss
her very much .She took good care of me. I never expected she would die.
After my mother’s death, my father and I live on our own.
My father is an auto driver and leaves home early and returns late in the
night. I look after all the household needs. Initially we used to buy food from
a nearby eatery and my father cooked on Sundays, his day off from work.
Now, I do that too so that he can have his meal when he gets home tired
.Water supply is not regular and on most days the mornings are spent waiting
to fetch water. I used to get late for school and hence would spend the day at
home. I became irregular and went to school only to take my exams. My
teachers used to scold me for my long absences, when I attended school after
long absences. I found it difficult to concentrate and got into bad company. I
136 Chapter IV
was always distracted. I tried to get the attention of others in wrong
ways. The boys ganged up against me and got me into trouble with my
teachers. The girls complained that I used to tease them. I was always
punished and gradually lost interest in my studies.
I have stopped going to school and look around for odd jobs which can earn
me some money. I can do masonry work, painting and repair work. If work
is not available, I spend the day roaming around with others who do not go to
school. These boys are much older to me and I know I am doing wrong
things in their company. I do not have any big ambitions. I want to become a
call taxi driver and earn a living. I miss my mother especially late in the
evening as my father spends his time drinking. He keeps to himself after the
death of my mother. I would like to stay away from home but feel sorry for
my father….”
My friends and teachers in school keep asking me to come to school. I have
lost interest and I have decided that school is not where I want to be…..”
Setting and Respondents 137
IX LAKHSMAN (name changed) Age - 10 years Education - Standard V, speech impairment, mild
retardation Informant - Mother, teacher, NGO personnel Impact of Event - Not Applicable Self-esteem score - Not Applicable
A ten year old boy, Lakshman has a speech impairment. Hardships in life
have resulted in his family neglecting his special need.
“……we are very poor. I am the bread winner of the family. My husband is
unwell and refuses to take treatment. He drinks all day and is unable to take
care of us. I have three children to look after. Lakshman cannot speak; he is
able to say only a few words, “appa”, “amma”. He can follow instructions
though. We were advised to take him for speech therapy and surgery. I took
him for a few sessions. As there is no place here in Kannagi Nagar, it is
difficult to be regular for therapy. Moreover, as I am the only earning
member, it is expensive and difficult for me to miss work. We were unable to
get the surgery done as there are financial problems in our family due to my
husband’s failing health. Lakshman is older now. As he is unable to speak,
he cannot defend himself and the children hurt him for no fault of his."
-Lakshman’s mother
“……..We spotted Lakshman in his home on one of our community visits.
As there was no one to stay back home to care for him, his mother would
leave him in the house unattended and go for work. He could not go to
regular school as he could not speak. We spoke to his mother and got her to
send the child to the CBR center. We had the doctor evaluate his condition.
Lakshman was diagnosed to have a speech problem. We were happy to have
him. Being the youngest and most active around, he radiated happiness and
138 Chapter IV
the children loved his presence. He was our ‘star’ at all the sports events. By
coming to the center every day, he got to interact with others, got a meal to
eat and remained visibly happy…………”
- Assistant, CBR Centre
“………At the CBR Centre, Lakshman, won the hearts of all.
Lakshman followed instructions and was keen to learn. We provided him
challenging tasks to perform which he did well .We tried to convince the
family for surgery to rectify his speech problem but due to constraints the
family was unable to do so. We were convinced he could be part of regular
school. In the course of the two years he was with us, we prepared him for
transition to school. Lakshman was integrated to main stream education at
Govt. Primary School, Kannagi Nagar last year. We celebrate his joining
school and are proud of him……...”
-Supervisor CBR Centre
“Lakshman is an active and intelligent child. Even though he is unable to
speak, he tries to express and make himself understood. He grasps easily and
is determined to learn. He is blessed with the capacity to memorize and write
well. In the classroom, he is popular among his peers and all children follow
him! I wish his family could raise money for his treatment and I ask for
God’s help that he be given opportunities to further improve and develop”.
-Teacher, Govt. Primary School, Kannagi Nagar
Setting and Respondents 139
X KISHORE (name changed)
Mentally challenged (mild retardation)
Informant - Grandmother
Impact of Event - Not Applicable
Self-esteem score - Not Applicable
“My daughter lived in the village with her husband and two children, one of
who is mentally challenged. As her husband is also mentally challenged and
incapable of work, she moved to Chennai hoping to earn and provide for her
family. Calamities happened one after the other.
We moved to this area after we were forced to relocate as the Government
was constructing a flyover near our home. My daughter had no other place to
go and hence accompanied us. This area is bad; the security of young girls
and women is always under threat. My daughter entered into an extra
marital relationship and went away leaving her family with me. The children
do not remember their mother and have little contact with their father who
returned to the village.
It has been very difficult providing for the children. As Kishore comes to the
CBR center his needs are taken care of. His brother has been very difficult to
manage. He dropped out of school in standard IX and spends his time in bad
company. He used to demand money and often threatened to leave if we did
not yield to his demands. One day he came home, packed his bags stating a
desire to find employment in the city. We have no news of him. He comes
occasionally but tells us nothing about his whereabouts.
We feel bad for Kishore. His mother abandoned him and his father is
incapable of taking care of him. We hoped his brother would study, earn a
living and support him. That hope will not be realized. We cannot afford to
send him to a special school nor accompany him to one every day. I have a
kidney problem which is getting worse with each passing day. Kishore’s
grandfather is a watchman and is the only earning member. I cannot afford
treatment. The thought that this child will be all alone in this world after I die
haunts me. I will not be able to die in peace. MCDS has been my biggest
support in caring for Kishore”.
140 Chapter IV
XI RITA (name changed) Cerebral Palsy Informant - Mother Impact of Event - Not Applicable Self-esteem score - Not Applicable
“My mother in law keeps taunting me saying that birth of Rita has only brought bad luck to the family. I was admitted to the hospital with labour pains when we got the news that our house was razed down. We were very tense. As all of us were in the hospital, there was no one at home when the incident happened. We lost all we had. I was so anxious and maybe that is why this child is born with disability.
We were allotted a house at Kannagi Nagar. This has been Rita’s home since she was born. I had no time to rest and recuperate. In addition to financial difficulties, being in an unfamiliar environment and braving the hardships was so difficult. Due to lack of water, I had to carry pots of water and walk long distances. As there were no hospitals nearby and hence we could not provide Rita any medical care after she was born. I am not educated and was not able to identify her disability early. We lost a lot of time. We were shattered to hear that she was disabled when a doctor in a city hospital explained her condition to us. My life has revolved only around her. She has no bladder and bowel control and is incapable of taking care of herself . We were advised to join her in a special school and that regular physiotherapy would be beneficial. We could not afford food, how could we take her to the city every day. The Government should open centres for the differently abled so that we don’t need to travel far to access these facilities.
The staff here used to regularly visit Rita at home and convinced me that I should enroll her at the CBR centre. We were regular till I had to undergo a surgery. She was unable to attend the Centre for three months. Doctors had advised me not to carry weights but I had no choice; if she had to attend the centre, I had to carry her.
I am worried about her future. Like all mothers I would like to see her go to school. We need to save up for her future. With the income of my husband who is an auto driver we can barely make ends meet. I am scared to leave Rita in the care of anyone in this area and go for work. I am so troubled, nothing can be done…. it is my fate!”
Setting and Respondents 141
XII KUMARI (name changed)
Mentally challenged, speech impairment, attending CBR Centre
Informant - Mother
Impact of Event - Not Applicable
Self esteem score - Not Applicable
Kumari’s family moved to Kannagi Nagar after their house in Nandanam
was razed down for construction of a multistoried building. “I will never
vote for any of these politicians. Our houses were deliberately set on fire as
we had resisted their order to vacate the area. We lost everything. We did not
have even a spare set of clothes to wear. We stayed with a relative for three
months. In comparison to others, because we have a disabled daughter, they
allotted us a house in Kannagi Nagar soon after.
This area is not safe. I cannot go for work for fear of safety of a young girl.
Because she is mentally challenged, she will not be able to defend herself.
Debts were so much that we could not meet the needs of three children.
While one of my sons discontinued school to go for work, I gave up my
second son to a relative who expressed willingness to care for him. I have
not been able to provide for my children. Safety and welfare of this child is
my only concern now.
Kumari likes to come to the CBR Centre and enjoys interacting with the staff
and children. I want to set up a shop for her and hope she will get married
someday.
The Government had treated us badly. They have given us houses with no
facilities. We have only known hardship after moving here. There needs to
be special schools, speech therapy centres, and vocational training centres for
the disabled. They also have a right to live a life of dignity”.
142 Chapter IV
XIII RAJA (name changed)
Mentally Challenged
Informant- Staff at the CBR centre, neighbour
Raja is the youngest of four children. The staff at the center report that the
child is neglected at home and was enrolled very late at the centre. Raja’s
mother had tried terminating the pregnancy. She believes it is because of
regular intake of the pills that the child was born with a mental handicap.
The child’s home environment is disturbed. A neighbour shared that two of
his older siblings died under mysterious circumstances –‘due to weight loss’.
The father is alcoholic and after the death of these children, the mother is
often found drinking. As both parents find it difficult to provide for the
family, Raja’s older brother dropped out of school to provide for the family.
Raja’s presence at the CBR centre is not very comforting to the other
children as he is aggressive and uses abusive language. The staff at the centre
feels the need for more parental involvement for their efforts and
intervention to be effective. The child is not very regular and his mother not
very interactive. It is his school going sister who cares for him and brings
him to the centre.
Setting and Respondents 143
XIV AMITAB (name changed) Age - 15 years Education - Standard X, student in school outside Kannagi