“Maybe the old times were better. At least, every occasion, every festival and every celebration we were invited to entertain the guests. We danced and we sang. Sometimes we received money and sometimes we received grains. But things have changed now. People opt for different forms of entertainment. They have their television, their mobile phones, their own instruments, and their own music. Our Sarangis, Madals, and folk songs have lost the audience. Also strangely, people are not welcoming of the Badis like they use to. Older folks had no problems inviting us into their homes but today, the younger ones look down upon us as ‘untouchables’. We are landless but we are human. We might not have gold and silver but we have a beating heart. We might sleep on the floor but we have the same kind of love for our children. We need air, food, and water just like everybody else. But why aren’t we given our share even we work till our muscles turn to stone?

We are left with no options. If I am lucky I find labor work. The daily wage is not much. Maybe 400 or 500 rupees and work in not always available. You can imagine my struggle when I am the only earner. Even though the tuition in the government school is free, the burden of a large family is always heavy. My wife must have told you we are 7 in the family. Even though things are bleak and we live for the day, I try not to lose hope. Accepting defeat is also not an option. I work hard for my daughters and my son dreaming they will get to live a different life than the one we are living. Even though I come home tired, I still help my wife cook. I help her put the kids to bed. She also gets tired of running after the children all day. I know that we have to do this together.”