During Independence Day 2023, in the heart of India, amidst the vibrant hues of the tricolour lie tales of aspiration, endurance, and unfulfilled dreams. As the country celebrates its legacy of freedom, the flag sellers in Delhi NCR find themselves bound by invisible chains of social disparity. These flag sellers reveal stories beyond the fluttering fabric of the tricolour.
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Through candid conversations with Kanak, Shivanya, Raju, Salim, Sewaram and many others, we explore a world where the emblem of freedom becomes a poignant symbol of their daily struggles.
Independence Day 2023: Where Children Sell Tricolour For A Living
Independence Day 2023 | Kanak and Shivanya sell flags for a living | Photo courtesy: The Probe
On the streets of Greater Noida West, we came across two young girls, Kanak and Shivanya. They live in a temporary tent close to the main road. The girls don’t attend school. They spend nearly ten hours every day selling national flags to passersby.
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The hustle and hardships of their daily routine are apparent. Kanak reveals the modest sales for the day, “Only one person came and purchased a small flag for 20 rupees.” But what happens when they’re not selling flags? Kanak states, “We sit under the sun the whole day selling pots. We sit on the roads. We are from low income families. What else can we do?”
We visited Kanak and Shivanya’s makeshift tent to speak to her local guardians. We met with her family and asked her aunt Reena why the girls weren’t attending school. Reena speaks of the abysmal lack of facilities that deter the children from attending school. “There is no water, no toilets. How can the children go to school without having a bath?”.
Independence Day 2023: The Economics Of The Tricolour
As the nation commemorates its 77th Independence Day, marking 76 years of freedom, we uncovered poignant tales of families relying on flag sales to make ends meet. Not far from Kanak’s and Shivanya’s makeshift tent, we encountered another family — a father passing the tricolour to his young child.
Flag seller Raju hands over the tricolour to his child | Photo courtesy: The Probe
Raju, a diligent flag vendor, articulates the challenges they face with a sombre undertone, “Last year, the sale was good, but this year the flags are not getting sold. I have only earned 100-200 rupees in the last two days. We are barely managing our daily expenses. We spend the entire day sitting here by the roadside.”
Amidst the hustle and challenges, a ray of hope shines bright in Raju’s eyes when he speaks of his child, “Meher,” he says with a hint of pride. “I want my child to be educated. Let’s see what destiny awaits my child.”
Chasing Dreams from the Desert to the Capital: The Tale of Salim and Sohil
The vibrant streets of Delhi NCR, adorned with tricolours, are not just a testament to India’s patriotic fervour but also resonate with tales of endless determination and hope. One such story is of Salim and Sohil, a father-son duo who have journeyed from the sandy terrains of Rajasthan, seeking better prospects through flag sales.
Independence Day 2023 | Salim and his son Sohil travelled from Rajasthan to Delhi NCR to sell flags | Photo courtesy: The Probe
Independence Day 2023: The Meaning Of True Freedom
What does freedom signify to some of those who sell national flags for a living? Sumer Singh, a flag seller since 1997 during both Independence Day and Republic Day, equates freedom with an escape from unemployment. For Sheela, true liberation would come when she gains freedom from the shackles of inflation.
“When we sell more flags, it feels good to know people are excited about Independence Day. Last year, every house had a flag. Our sales were also good... in fact, very good. But it is not like that this year,” Sumer laments.
For Sheela, the word ‘freedom’ paints a picture of relief from the relentless economic pressures of daily life. She speaks of the burden that inflation casts upon her life. “Inflation is killing us. Gas cylinders are expensive; essential commodities have been steadily increasing in price. Poor people like us sit on the roads, but everything is becoming expensive. We need freedom from inflation. That’s the only freedom we genuinely need", she asserts.
Older people selling national flags in delhi NCR | Photo courtesy: The Probe
The Spirit Of The Nation Captured By Its Flag Bearers
As we navigated from one street to another, the sight of countless individuals, irrespective of their age, selling national flags painted a touching tableau of hope, sacrifice, and ambition. At one corner, the lively chatter of Bankhu, Sona, and Mukhi captured our attention. Their youthful exuberance, juxtaposed against their street-side business, spoke volumes.
Independence Day 2023 | Children selling flags for a living | Photo courtesy: The Probe
Underneath The Tricolours: Stories Of Hope, Aspiration, And Sacrifice
Not far from the children was Sevaram. Accompanied by his wife, he had been selling the national flag for several days. Though he harbours aspirations like any parent, wishing to educate his 3-year-old daughter, Saloni, his vision was grander and more heart-touching.
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The celebrations may be loud, and the jubilations many, but the silent tales of people like Bankhu, Mukhi, and Sevaram embody the nation’s spirit. Their stories, dreams, and hopes remind us that the essence of national pride often lies in the simplest of aspirations and the deepest of sacrifices.
As the colours of the tricolour unfurl in homes and institutions across the nation, the tales of these citizens and countless others resonate with a different hue of sacrifice and survival. Their stories remind us that the essence of freedom is intricately woven with the threads of social responsibility and empathy. As we celebrate our national milestones, for these proud Indians, every sale is not just a transaction but a testament to their indomitable spirit and hopes for a better tomorrow.
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