Indian Pediatrics is an academic journal and highlighting the problems of children in difficult circumstances through this journal is as important as offering solutions. However, activities to help these children have also been discussed in the editorial.

Dr. Talukder has taken the help of Mr. Khushwant Singh’s report to air his own opinion. It is apparent that he too believes in dealing with the problem of destitute only as a legal issue and that shows a poor level of sensitivity.

‘There should be no street children’ is an acceptable statement but can we wish them away. Yes, measures need to be taken so that children are not forced to come on the street. Macro level planning leading to equitable socio-economic improvement with less broken and destitute families will be an answer which we are looking forward to. However those who are already on street and surely not out of their choice, need a helping hand and not an iron hand.

Dr. Talukder’s cynical view that all NGO’s are fund-gulping agencies is not true. Nevertheless corrupt agencies are only representative of corrupt individuals in the society. I am aware of many NGO’s doing good work in the community. Many of these are also involved with educating street children on safe sex and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Use of force and coercion are no solution to any problem.

Lastly Dr. Talukder’s opinion that all street children will grow up to be street adults with voting rights and that is a source of worry, is indirectly a demand for their rehabilitation so that they grow up as responsible citizens. Many NGO’s are working in this direction. They provide congenial and supportive environment along with education. I have personally met grown up street children through these programs and can vouch that they are living a more positive and responsible life than many of us lucky ones. Their contribution is more than many of our fortunate friends who are desensitized to the core.

G.R. Sethi,
Professor of Pediatrics,
Maulana Azad Medical College,
New Delhi 110 002,
India.