Salman Abdul says he is seven years old. Father Francis Mulackal, director of the Jan Vikas Society that runs the Mermier Bal Ashram, a home for street children and rag pickers in Navi Mumbai, estimates that Salman should be around five years old.
Salman also says he is from Ambala. Father Mulackal explains they don't know where Salman is from, nor do they know if he knows for sure. All they know is that they rescued Salman from the streets of Mumbai and that he is most probably an orphan.
The Mermier Bal Ashram houses over 350 children who have been rescued from the streets. Some of them are orphans, some of them are there because one or both of their parents are in jail, some of them spend the day at the ashram because their parents cannot afford to look after them while some of the children have actually run away from home. "In such cases," says Father Mulackal, "we try and reunite the child with the family unless there is some compelling reason for us not to do so."
The children who are admitted to the Mermier Bal Ashram live there until they are able to stand on their own feet. "Three of our children are married and are settled now," says Father Mulackal proudly.
Salman, for example, studies at the prestigious Ryan International School. He's quite enjoying his stint at the WSF and has the important task of handing out leaflets about Tejaswini, an organisation that focuses on street children and street women.
The children who are not interested in going to school have the option of various kinds of vocational training including computers, carpentry and printing.
The children at the Ashram span five religious backgrounds -- Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains and Hindus -- and follow their own religions. "We celebrate all religious festivals," says Father Mulackal. "Our aim to see our children settled in life."
Coverage of WSF | Also See: The Power of Youth