Radha’s father who works as a daily wage labourer says, “We come from a family of snake charmers but because of the ban by the Government, we have few options to pursue. I have not acquired any other skill and hence today I work as a labourer.” 

For many generations, the snake charmers caught various species of snakes to earn a living. It was a common sight to see snake charmers at temples and local festivals. With the introduction of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act in 1972, the age-old profession of snake charming was declared illegal. 

Radha is now studying in her seventh grade and the mid-day meal she gets in her school is the only source of good nutrition. Her mother died many years ago and has a sister who is married. Radha's father says, “Akshaya Patra is a blessing, for at least one time a day; my daughter gets food which is as tasty and as nutritious as her mother would have liked to cook for her daughter if she was with us here today.”

Oblivious to all changes that the family will have to cope with, Radha smiles, and says she loves the fruits that are given as part of the mid day meal programme since she never gets to eat them at home. 

As long as the little blue bus reaches her school everyday, children like Radha can hope for at least one nutritious meal that will help them grow stronger in spite of the difficulties they face back home and will attend school.