Priya: What a Childhood!
Priya’s was born at a construction site. Her parents were illiterate manual labourers. Her mother had to return to work a few weeks after Priya was born. She carried Priya to her work place, nursed and attended to her needs during her breaks. Being saddled with household duties and heavy work at the construction site, the mother had very little time to bond with Priya during her infancy and toddler years. In addition, Priya’s father was an alcoholic, who spent all his earnings on drinks. Though not abusive, he did not provide for the needs of the family; and hardly ever interacted with Priya. Priya grew malnourished. On a few occasions, when she was left unattended at home, she was sexually abused by a stranger. This happened when she was just six years old.
In her childhood, Priya’s family was constantly relocated to different construction sites. Thus, Priya did not have a stable home; nor could she be admitted to a regular school. She was occasionally tutored by NGO workers, but did not have a steady early education. Thus, when she was later admitted to a municipal-run school, she was unable to follow her teacher, or to read or to write. Her classmates looked down on her, since she was always restless, dreamy, unable to cope with her studies, and kept a distance. Disheartened, Priya dropped out of school in standard IV. Her mother then entrusted her with household work and care of her younger siblings.
Priya lived in make-shift sheds amidst unhygienic surroundings at construction sites; and sometimes did not even have a single wholesome meal a day. Her mother was unaware of vaccines. Thus, Priya was often ill, suffered from skin rashes and digestive ailments
Fr Ajoy Fernandes SDB
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