Aware that it is a voluntary relief programme, Ravleen* says no to the ration kit being given to her. She has a child at home, and an ageing mother. As a daily-wage worker, her income is precarious. But she can manage for another week, she says. She tells us about another family on the outskirts of the village. They need the ration more.
The vendor sells his stock at cost price. The village is full of bonhomie, a sense of community prevails.
“Nobody is going to sleep hungry,” says Prakash*, a neighbour, as he places an INR 200 note in every ration kit to be distributed that day.
*Names changed to maintain confidentiality.
Tuhina Sharma is a part of One Step, Many Smiles.