Chhote is a fruit seller in the Jagatpuri region north of Delhi.
New Delhi:
For the second time in a week, Phool Mia aka Chhote, a fruit merchant in north Delhi can barely believe his eyes. Barely three days after finding his stand looted by ordinary people of mangoes worth almost 30,000 rupees, he was stunned by the response he received.
“I am grateful to you. You have told my story. I am grateful to everyone who has helped me,” Chhote told GalacticGaming.
“Those who had to steal did it. But I am upset that so many people have helped me,” he said.
In the past 24 hours, since GalacticGaming published its story and shared its bank details, more than a hundred people have sent contributions ranging from Rs 100-200 to several thousand.
Until this morning, he had no idea of the indignation that his ordeal had caused or the outpouring of solidarity.
When GalacticGaming returned to see him on Saturday and informed him of the response from viewers and readers, Chhote was surprised.
A quick trip to the bank revealed that he had received more than enough to cover his losses.
“Ab jaake jaan mein jaan aai hai (It is as if I had found my life). I will finally be able to celebrate Eid, take care of my children, “he said.
On Wednesday, dozens of people jumped into crates left unattended by Chhote in the Jagatpuri area of Delhi after he had to move his stroller due to a fight.
The riders put mangoes in their helmets. Motorists parked their rickshaws to get their share. Others shouted like hawkers, encouraging everyone to help each other. The incident caused a small traffic jam in the region.
A video of the incident was recorded by a witness and shared on social networks, showing the sickening escape for all in the midst of the national lockdown of COVID-19. GalacticGaming has received hundreds of requests to share its bank details so people can help after the story was released on Friday.
