SHYAM'S BLOG: 50 MILLION STANLEY's,FORGET ABOUT THE DABBAS!!!

I was at office when I got the message from the yes + group to watch a movie in the evening. The show was at 6:15 but my day at the office ends at 6:30. So I called them up to say that I will not be able to make it today. In curiosity I just asked which was the movie. ‘Stanley ka dabba’ it was. I never heard of it or saw no trailers. I thought perhaps it was one of those for the little kids. I was happy that I was not missing any good stuff. But for the first time I got free from the office at 3:30. Happy and excited I reached home. After a long time we were going for an outing but I was not very much sure how the movie would be. They convinced me about the reviews. Finally we were there and I sat to watch without any idea of what I was going to experience…

I am neither going to tell you the story nor any reviews. This particular blog comes like a appeal to all those who haven’t seen the movie or are unaware of the harsh reality.

The movie came like an eye opener to me. Amole gupte has always been magical when it comes to kids. The beauty of the movie lies in its sheer honesty and sweetness. People like me who think that a kid’s film is only for kids will find themselves stunned. But there is something in the movie which will stay in you for a long time even after the movie is over, I can bet over it.

Stanley ka Dabba ended with a shocker. The movie and many other agencies claim that there are more than 50 MILLION (5 crore) children engaged in child labor in India. I was stunned at the figure but the government of India claims it be less than 20 million (which is of course not true). According to ILO (International Labor Organization) some 217.7 million (21.77 crore) children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in child labor around the world. Are you not surprised to see the percent contribution of our country? I am!!!

The movie brings out this reality of India in a very subtle and sweet way. It’s not only about Stanley but about all those Stanley’s who are bound to surrender their childhood in cruel hands.

Everyday you meet a child who gives you a chai in the local chai shop, the one who fills the air in your car tiers, cleans your glasses, the one who sells the roadside vegetables, and what not!!! Still the kid is just another ‘CHOTU’ for us. Some of us who are a bit kind hearted would pass a smile and a few bother to do something beyond that.

An appeal to all those who think we can make a difference I have attached the list of all the NGO’s working against child labor in India. You can volunteer or donate to these organizations.List of NGO's working for child labor

Please visit the official Stanley ka Dabba website to register yourself in the tree of hope to eradicate child labor. The link is http://www.stanleykadabba.com/

And next time you see a ‘CHOTU’ working, don’t just pass a smile. Do something. I have done my bit.

God helps those who help others…

JGD...