Magadhi (10/24/19)

Magadhi (DOB: 10/24/19), which means “flower” in Tamil, is a charming little girl who enjoys dressing up, adorning herself with imitation jewelry, and dancing. She also likes to watch dancing shows on television. Both she and her older sister enjoy caring for their two hens. Her father is a daily wage laborer who works in the agricultural fields; his farming job only pays him for 4-5 months out of the year. In addition, he works odd jobs to support his family and occasionally goes to neighboring villages in search of work. Magadhi’s mother also tries to supplement the family’s income by participating in the 100-day work program, a government effort that provides unskilled women with jobs at mini- mum wage. They live in a little hut close to the riverbank that is prone to flooding. When the floods come, their thatch roof becomes a bread- ing ground for worms and insects. As a result, children are vulnerable to illness and skin infections. The river water is filthy, but they use it because they have no other choice. Twice a week, drinking water is provided from the communal taps and must last for a few days until it is available again.