Don't underestimate the poor

TANGLA: Don't underestimate the poor and wage earners. It sticks only to the lips of the public leaders. In practice the things are different. But of late, something seems to have started changing if the recent initiative of the Rabha Sahitya Sabha is any indication.  

The literary organization of the tribal group recently honoured a few rickshaw-pullers and handcart pullers in Tangla evoking widespread appreciation in the society. The All Rabha Sahitya Sabha with the help of a social activist & contractor Girin Deka and noted comedian Bipul Rabha felicitated as many as 90 rickhsaw-pullers and handcart pullers at a function organized at the Satish Chandra Rabha Memorial Ground in Tangla on Monday.

 Speakers after speakers in the meeting presided over by Sarat Chandra Rabha heaped huge praise on these people whose contribution is hardly endorsed or acknowledged. These speakers include Hemanta Rabha, Bipul Rabha and Jayanta Rabha who appreciated the organization for the novel initiatives.

Bipul Rabha said, "I can share the pains and sufferings of the rickshaw and hand-cart pullers who carry on their duty defying scorching sun and pinching coldwave or even in incessant rains. They are bound to do these to live from hand to mouth. But they are the most disadvantageous lot. "Despite the need of the rickshaw pullers in such hazardousservice we refuse to acknowledge their service and have no sympathy for them," lamented Rabha.

Organizing secretary ARSU,Jayanta Rabha said,We never address these people with respect they lose their identity when they get absorbed in the profession. They are addressed as 'rickhshawala' and 'thelawala'. The rickshaw-pullers and handcart pullers were feted with a phulam gamocha and Japi each by Girin Deka and Bipul Rabha. The recipients, mostly, turned emotional as they stood to address the gathering. But they felt it immense joy.