K L P Kumar & Prasaad Bhosekar
In this age of instant messaging and speed dating, there are still some who spare the time to brighten the lives of the less privileged. A prime example of good Samaritans working for the cause of others is Pratigna, a group of assorted people in Khammam district of Andhra Pradesh. The group comprises self-employed professionals, businessmen and even housewives who have pledged to devote time and effort to people on the streets.
The concept is Ek din ka sultan, or Emperor for a day in which every weekend a deprived individual is made to feel like a king even if only for a day. The group picks a random person living on the streets and gives him royal treatment. They clean him up, bathe him, tonsure his head, dress him in new clothes and treat him to a meal fit for a king.
Jayaraju who is a member of Pratigna explains that there are always people on the streets who go without any food. The group clothes them and does everything possible to make them feel like a king.
Another member Vijaya, a full-time housewife sums up the motivation for the cause. People are today earning lakhs of rupees. However no amount of money can ever earn them goodwill which good deeds alone can. So in its own humble way the group tries to bring happiness into the lives of the deprived.
One would think that a noble cause such as this would be an inspiration from the start. So it is surprising to learn that initially, they were actually turned away. Now however the public has begun appreciating their efforts and offers to help.
Kishore a student speaks with wisdom beyond his years when he points out that everybody has a right to live a good life. Therefore the group is working for a commendable cause and he wishes them the best in the endeavor.
