Summary

Children at Work is a poignant story that centers around an eleven-year-old boy named Velu. He runs away from home to escape the abusive behavior of his father, who is a drunkard and regularly beats him and steals his money. Tired of the mistreatment, Velu decides to leave home and ends up traveling to Chennai aboard the Kanyakumari Express without a ticket. He is lucky as the ticket collector does not check his ticket during the journey.
Upon reaching Chennai, Velu is overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the city and the crowded railway station. He feels lost amidst the chaos of strangers and is weak from hunger. In the midst of his confusion, he meets a little girl named Jaya, who is a ragpicker. Although Velu is initially hesitant to speak with her, he agrees to accompany her when she offers to help him find some food. Jaya helps him navigate the busy streets of Chennai and even warns him to stay away from the police.
Jaya takes Velu to a marriage hall, where she picks discarded food—two bananas and a vada—from a garbage bin. Though hesitant, Velu eats the food due to his hunger. Afterward, Jaya takes him to her home, which is a small, makeshift shelter made from scraps like plastic sheets and old tires. Jaya then gives Velu a sack and asks him to help collect scrap articles, which they can sell to a scrapper who will, in turn, sell them to factories. Velu reluctantly becomes a ragpicker like Jaya, but he hopes to find a better job in the future and leave the rag-picking work behind.

Conclusion of Children at Work

The story highlights the harsh realities faced by children like Velu, who are forced to take extreme steps due to their unfortunate circumstances. It sends a powerful message about the importance of treating children with care and respect, as ill-treatment or neglect can lead them to take drastic measures. The chapter also emphasizes the need for societal awareness and action to protect children from exploitation and hardship.