In the heart of Nagpur city when the school bell rings seven-year-old Mamta turns from being a student to a street vendor.
Every evening after school, Mamta sells chocolates and biscuits to her friends and earns Rs 15 to 20 daily.
Her father's untimely death and her mother's meager wages forced Mamta, the eldest child, to shoulder the family's responsibility.
Not only does she support her family but also finances her own education.
''I earn about Rs 700 per month. That goes in paying rentals. Mamta earns about Rs 15 to 20 per day, so that I can feed them. How to survive? How to help them study?,'' said Pramila Jewade, Mamta's mother.
Financial crisis at home and life's bitter realities saw Mamta mature far beyond her years.
''When children play, I also feel like joining them. But, I am helpless. Every responsibility is on my shoulders after father's death. That's why I sit at the shop,'' said Mamta.
Inspiring others
Mamta's hard work is inspiring others.
''Earlier I never did house chores. But, since the day, I saw Mamta doing this I have begun helping my mother. Mom cooks food and I clean the utensils, broom the house,'' said Neha Badhel, Mamta's classmate.
While her classmates dream about their future, it is the question of day-to-day survival of the family, which remains supreme in young Mamta's mind.
''We are proud of Mamta. She is honest and sincere. We can help her,'' said Prakash Masurkar, Head Master, Ujwal High School.
All that Mamta keeps reminding herself is that, her battle continues and she isn't defeated yet.
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070021572
Offers of help pour in for Nagpur girl
Offers of help have been pouring in for seven-year-old Mamta, the brave little girl from Nagpur who pays for her own education, provides for her family and also teaches her younger sister.
Several people including industrialist Swaraj Paul have written to NDTV offering help to Mamta after NDTV reported her story.
In the heart of Nagpur city when the school bell rings seven-year-old Mamta turns from being a student to a street vendor.
Every evening after school Mamta sells chocolates and biscuits to her friends and earns Rs 15-20 daily. Her father's untimely death and the mother's meagre wage forced Mamta- the eldest child- to shoulder the family's responsibility.
Not only does she support her family but also finances her own education.
''I earn about Rs 700 a month. That goes in paying rent. Mamta earns about Rs 15-20 per day, so that I can feed them. How else to survive? How to help them study?'' said Pramila Jewade, Mamta's mother.
Financial crisis at home and life's bitter realities saw Mamta mature far beyond her years.
''When children play, I also feel like joining them. But I am helpless. There are certain responsibilities on my shoulders after my father's death. That's why I sit here at this shop,'' said Mamta.
NDTV: Are you mature enough for this?
Mamta: Yes.
NDTV: What do you want to grow up to be?
Mamta: I can only think about that when I complete my studies.
NDTV: Not before that?
Mamta: No.
Mamta's friends draw inspiration from the young and spirited girl.
''Earlier I never did house chores, never helped mother. But, since the day, I saw Mamta doing this, I have begun helping my mother. Mom cooks food and I clean the utensils, broom the house,'' said Neha Badhel, Mamta's classmate.
''We are proud of Mamta. She is honest and sincere. We can help her. She will progress,'' said Prakash Masurkar, Headmaster, Ujwal High School.
While her classmates dream about future, the question of day-to-day survival of the family reigns supreme on young Mamta's mind.
Contact Details:
Mamta Jewade
c/o First Floor at Sachin Choudhary's House Plot No. 120,
Om Nagar near Sakkardara,
Nagpur
Neighbour: Dilip Choudhary (Mobile No. 09326409155)