Born of the street. Children with no roots.

Humanity is clearly distinct from other species of animals. Distinct in the sense of better, more intelligent, more creative. One distinction is more distinct than others, which is human childhood. A baby duck coming out of an egg starts swimming immediately and does not require much effort and care by family members. A baby cuff begins running on the second day of his life and one can see a cuff jumping around and playing on the third. Nevertheless, the most intelligent of the species appears to be the least independent of all. A human infant takes years to learn to walk and talk. A human being is not considered grown up until 18 in most countries and before that they require constant care and support. Infancy is the time a human being needs the most support from the immediate and extended families as well as the community.

However, I have met children who are independent at ten years of age, some even younger. I have met children who act, think and behave like adults. Their childhood was stolen from them and replaced with responsibility to sustain themselves and survive without a family or community. They are the street children of Bangladesh known as “Tukai” or the children who collect garbage, that has a market value such a plastic and steel, to sell. They do things that are unimaginable by even many adults. They embody the “Man-child” of Carl Jung. If one may ask, where there childhood go ?

“Riding on a wooden past” Photo Taken: Shibpur, Bangladesh.

“Invaluable Garbage” Location: Sylhet, Bangladesh

“Eyes of the streets” Location: City of Sylhet, Bangladesh.

“Emotions Untitled” Location: Chatak, Bangladesh.

“Fun for the Fittest” Location: Shibpur, Bangladesh.