Parle G

Maharashtra saw a leadership transition. With all the twists and turns, the people ultimately got a new leadership team to rule the state. Because the State head was from Thane, there was a strong push for development. The goal was to bring Thane up to par with Mumbai. With good intentions, our society members met with our corporator to have the society's shared Bitumen Road, which was severely potholed, concretized. Surprisingly, we received a sanction in a day. Residents in our community noticed progress toward their application. Within a few weeks, makeshift shanties sprung up.

Many fragile children stayed with their parents in this area. While we send our children to school, they keep themselves engaged by building tight bonds with other 10-12 Tin shed temporary settlements.

They occasionally assist their parents by undertaking light tasks such as cooking food and caring for newborns. Even running errands such as providing tools, equipment, and water to the elderly members.

As Thane was due for the monsoon, instructions were given to complete the internal roads by June end. In the peak summer heat, the labourers toiled for completion, while benevolent human nature was also seen among the society members. Ladies and family elders would offer some packaged foods, discarded toys, and clothes to these children. Residents became excited about the hard work these laborers had given, and the road was shaping up quite well.

We had pre-monsoon showers for some time. This provided some relief from the sweltering heat. Reduce their workload by watering the completed patch twice daily. The concretization was nearly complete by the time Thanekar saw persistent rains hammering the district.

During my visit to the Society Kirana store at the time, a girl of about 8-9 years old from the camp came in and handed over a torn 10 Rupee note. Didi ek Parle G Dena, she simply stated. When the Kirana lady noticed the torn note, she asked, "Are yeh to phata note hai?"

Rains began to heavily fall all at once. Another customer and I, together with the little girl, took cover inside the Kirana shop. The dejection on the small girls' faces was unfathomable. Her shoulders drooped instantly. The other client begged the store to take the torn note before leaving with his umbrella open.

It took me a moment to decide whether I should interact with the small girl directly or just gaze at her. As the Kirana lady was known to me, she stared at me, I understood her intent. Just nodded in agreement and signaled her to offer 2 packets with a hand gesture.

The lady shopkeeper added as she handed over the 2 packs, Yeh lo, paise pure hog aye. Little girl, smiled as she ran out of the shop, drenched in rain. I believe she was accompanied by her two brothers and proceeded to their temporary Tin shade hut.

I quickly paid for the 2 packets of Parle G and thanked her for making the little one's gala evening. The lady shopkeeper attempted to give me back the ripped 10 Rupee note. I just advised her to put money in the front temple donation box.