Not Only Mangoes from Malda

Recently I had been to Malda for a brief period of one month; Malda is a small town in the North Bengal. When one says Malda what comes to your mind? Magoes right? But I have something else to tell you about this place.

One evening I was in one small markets of Malda, I was buying fruits. Together with buying fruits I was enquiring about the places, the culture and the people of this town. Suddenly my eyes sat on a man in the age group of 35 to 40 years who was keenly observing me. I then realized my dressing, language and body language was conspicuously identifying me as an outsider. For the fruits I offered a note of Rs. 100 but the vendor had no change. In a moment the stranger who was observing me sought an opportunity to break the conversation and offered the much needed change.  The transaction was over but the man was still there he wanted to converse with me for some more time. As I have become more receptive to the world I din’t mind that either.

His queries started, “What’s your name”? “Where are you from”? “Don’t you think it’s a little cold here”? Are you married”?  T o the last question my answer was yes though I was not married.Then the final question how do you manage without your wife? I said I was fine. But he was reluctant to leave me he finally said that he was at my service if I need anything any day any type etc. Its not costly sir, you can pick the one you like.

        During all this drama I realized that I was walking very fast and I had covered half the distance to my hotel room. I politely declined his offer for what if I get mugged, or contract some disease and also for moral reasons. Basically he was a pimp trying to trade the pleasure of sex for money with some the many young unfortunate girls who are brought into West Bengal from neighbouring countries and states like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and north eastern states of India.

                  All this drama brings to the fore the persistent problem of prostitution which is continuing since ages. Is it ethical? Should it be legalized? If yes what would be the consequences? Is there any other underlying this problem, I think yes the sever unemployment and illiteracy.

                             If only the parents of these hapless girls were gainfully employed they would have been happily living away from all this mayhem at their home breathing in free air. On our part all we can do is to avoid indulging in such transactions and providing employment through other means.