Rakhi on Wheels: Pune’s 14-year-old girl sells Rakhis with her father in auto-rickshaw
Mehab Qureshi
Pune, 29 July 2020: With Raksha Bandhan preparations going around the nation amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, the demand for ‘Vocal for local’ has also increased, against the backdrop of tensions between Indian and Chinese soldiers.
During these difficult times,14-year-old Shivani Shinde, a resident of Agalambe village, located near Khadakwasla dam, was seen selling Rakhis in an auto-rickshaw driven by her father Santosh Shinde. Shivani is a student of Class IX of Vimalabai Nerlekar Vidyalaya. In the video, she is seen selling Rakhis at Mauli hills to help her father earn some extra income as the rickshaws aren’t operating because of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown.
“We have a small shop at home as well, where we sell stationery and makeup kits, but because of the lockdown, our business had almost come to an end. So we switched to selling vegetables. Now when finally the lockdown has been relaxed, my father bought some Rakhis. He works hard for us, so I wanted to join him and help him. I am doing this to help my father. He is the only source of income in our family,” said Shivani while speaking to Punekarnews.in.
When asked about her studies, she said, “I attend my online classes regularly. I also make sure my younger sister Samruddhi who is 10 years old studies every day.” The Shinde girl also said that she also takes the tutorials for a class IV student so that she could earn and help her family in every way possible.
In an attempt to help the family, Punekars can buy Rakhis for the festival from Shivani’s family. Even if you live far away, the Rakhis can be sent via courier directly at your doorsteps. You can contact Santosh Shinde at 8805774054, where the order for Rakhis can be placed. Even a small sale can mean a lot to Shivani and her family.
