This is really where Sudheer's heart is: to help children, who through life's circumstances are treated in the most shocking ways, and are at the very bottom of life's ladder. It's obvious in the way he talks about the project that he's very passionate about it - and his enthusiasm is really infectious.
The Railway Children project rescues children who are forced to live on India's railway system, begging or stealing to scratch together an existence. Many are orphans - rejected by their relatives as a financial burden and sent out to live on the streets with nothing.
The Railway Children:
Sadly - their presence isn't tolerated by the authorities and if caught they are often badly beaten. In many cases, they will jump from the trains in a bid to escape what they know will happen - often resulting in horrific injuries. In many cases, the children have had limbs amputated by the wheels of the train from which they jumped.
We heard story after story, as each of the young boys told us how they had ended up at the Railway Children Project. They were all depressingly similar.
Introducing ourselves to the children - Ruth, Sam, Sudheer, Lindon, Steve, and David:
And the children eating lunch:
On the positive side - despite the terrible things these children have experienced - they now have a home, a place to get education, and food to eat. It was amazing to see so many happy smiles...
Chillies drying in the sun in Tanali:
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