12 O’ Clock (Part XI)

I added, “Some people donate new or old cradles for the kids in the calamity-stricken areas. Some people donate new or old cotton cloth to function as cradles. They perform these acts to accumulate piety.”

Bittu naughtily rubbed his belly.

Prem understood his gesture, “Beds and clothes are done with. Now, Bittu means to ask what do they do for food.”

I said, “In the beginning, several politicians come forward and supply the food materials to them. After about 20 days, the interest wanes.”

Sukhwinder took up the narrative, “At this time, the people offering langar in Gurudwaras and ladies offering Bhandara take up the task of serving them food, in batches. People even collect raw materials for making different simple dishes from donors and take them to the calamity-stricken people. They even donate vessels and mud pots. Social workers make ladles and other utensils from coconut shells for them. But, their names are not publicized. They are the unsung heroes. They help these unfortunate people until they can survive on their own. In several circumstances, it takes years together for them to stand up on their own. This is the truth of life. Sometimes it peaks. Sometimes it ebbs.”

To be continued…