Watch India's Forgotten Children

India's Forgotten Children is a gripping documentary that takes a deep and personal dive into the wretched and heartrending lives of street children in India. The film depicts the harsh realities that these children face on a daily basis as they struggle to survive in an extremely hostile environment in one of the world's most populous and rapidly developing countries.

The movie directed by legendary filmmaker Deepa Bhatia, who previously directed 'Nero's Guests' - a film about farmers' debt that won a National Award in 2011. The movie follows the journey of Kumar Swamy, a compassionate and dedicated social worker who has spent most of his life working on the streets to protect and provide for these children. Brought up in poverty and deprivation himself, Kumar understands the plight of these children better than anyone else, and he has devoted his life to giving them a better future.

The film brings to light the harsh realities of poverty in India and the grave impact it has on the lives of vulnerable children, often leading them to a life of beggary, street crime, child labor, prostitution, and drug addiction. It sheds light on the unimaginable horrors these children face when they are forced to live on the streets, without shelter, food, or safety. The documentary highlights the gritty determination of these children to survive despite all odds and the efforts of people like Kumar and his team to rescue them and provide them with a better life.

Throughout the movie, we are introduced to several children who have been rescued by Kumar and his team. These children have experienced immeasurable trauma and abuse, and their stories are reflective of the hopeless situation of millions of children living on the streets in India. We witness their struggles as they navigate their way through life, often relying on each other for support, and the joy that they find in small moments of kindness and compassion.

One of the key takeaways from the movie is the critical role played by NGOs and social workers in addressing the issue of child poverty in India. Kumar and his team are portrayed as superheroes, working tirelessly to identify and rescue children from poverty, offering them a new life through education, healthcare, and essential support. These organizations provide hope to the children, who would have otherwise been lost without such intervention.

The film is also a stark reminder of the social inequalities and injustice in India, where the gap between the rich and the poor seems to be ever-increasing. The rampant corruption, lack of political will, and inadequate resources are highlighted as major contributing factors to the grim situation of street children in India. The movie's tone, therefore, is urgent and fiery, calling out the Indian Government's negligence in addressing the issue, and the apathy of society towards marginalized communities.

Finally, the movie's most significant strength is that it offers hope, reminding us that every child can be rescued from the direst of situations with the right support and care. Despite the characters' struggles and challenges, there are moments of triumph and resilience that shine through. The bond between the children and their mentors is palpable. One feels uplifted, knowing that amidst all the adversity, humanity and compassion can make a world of difference.

In conclusion, India's Forgotten Children is a powerful and moving documentary that humanizes a heartbreaking social issue. It is an eye-opener, making us pause to question our own privileges, and highlights the importance of every citizen's responsibility towards society's most vulnerable members. The film should be a must-watch for all those who want to understand better India's social reality, and the resolve and courage that can create change.

India's Forgotten Children is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes.