The history of this project is very deep and personal. My family and I were going to visit my extended family in Punjab. Barely fifteen at the time, I was very hesitant to go. Had I known that the trip would have such an impact on my life, I would have displayed a bit more enthusiasm.
Our second night there, my uncle decided we should all go out for lunch. He took us to a local restaurant famous for their “tikkis.” We sat down to order and our waiter came up to our table. I looked at him with eyes so wide. Astonished at his mere size. He was barely 8 years old. I couldn’t imagine someone that young and innocent working. I told my uncle, I don’t understand. My uncle didn’t understand my confusion. Being brought up in Canada, this was a culture shock if there ever was one.
My uncle went on to explain that this was a normal practice. This is how some children in India grow up.
I could not hold back the tears. How could one person have everything and another have nothing?
There are many truths of life we choose not to see, but that does not mean they do not exist. I’ve realized the truth of my life, to do my best to ensure as many people as possible have the bare necessities of life.
– Rani Singh
