Naresh Pal (24), a Delhi University graduate, said: “My parents and I live in a shack. But I am determined to study hard so that my children do not have to suffer and live like this.” Pal, originally from Baduan district in UP completed his Bachelor in Arts from Maharaja Agrasen College this year. After completing his schooling from his home state, he came to Delhi in 2011.
He gives tuitions to farmers’ children to fund his education. Pal, who aims to do a Masters in Social Work, also teaches students of underprivileged families and plans to work in an NGO, Manthan Social Society, which he founded last year. The purpose of this NGO is to teach students belonging to unprivileged families.
Educated and confident, these boys and girls from poor families wish to carve a niche in society. They want to join IAS, Army and even work as social activists and teachers. Some of them have attended DU, despite financial difficulties to pursue their dreams.
“Women in India and particularly from my state Bihar face many hurdles. Girls are deprived of education and are often married off at a young age. The menace of dowry is still rampant. If I become an IAS officer, I would be able to do something for them,” said Pooja Kumari, an under-graduate student at Maharaja Agrasen college. She has already started attending weekend coaching class to fulfill her dream.
Urban farming in the national Capital is practised on the Yamuna floodplain. Farmers mostly grow vegetables and flowers, which they sell in nearby markets and to retailers. These farmers have migrated from neighboring states and have been into agriculture practices from generations. They live in shacks with no electricity. These shacks even lack basic amenities such as gas and water connection. Farming has only provided these farmers with bare subsistence.