Rag pickers have a field day

CHANDIGARH: It''s not only scientists and students who have become rich, courtesy the Indian Science Congress which concluded on Wednesday, but also a group of people who do not even have foggiest of the idea about what the grand event meant.
While accumulation of knowledge has been a very "enriching experience" for most, unusual people were heard singing paeans of the event, for having made them richer, literally.
A visit to Panjab University on Thursday said it all. While work was on at frenetic pace to dismantle the exhibition stalls and the main venue, which played host to thousands of visitors during the five-day scientific bonanza, a group of people could be seen merrily busy in picking up the spoils of the mega event— thermocol glasses, plastic spoons, shrivelled flower bouquets, strips of wood panels, popcorn packs et all. Taken together, the "leftovers" would make them richer by "at least Rs 200", they said.
For those who are still wondering who we are referring to, we are talking of hordes of rag pickers who thronged the university campus in the hope of making a fast buck by selling the "remains" of the congress. When approached, Bimla Devi, a rag picker, said: "We were informed by the ‘kabadi market'' people that a lot of items would be available once the event at Panjab University comes to an end. We are here since morning.
Different items will sell at different prices and we can earn at least Rs 200. I would be able to buy some warm clothes for my son with this money." Tara, who was also busy in stuffing her jute bag, said: "On an average, we earn about Rs 40 to 50 per day. If on one day we can earn about Rs 150-200, it is indeed a matter of great happiness."
Meanwhile, the sports ground where the ‘Pride of India'' exhibition had been put up was abuzz with people who were engaged in dismantling the stalls and the pavilion that had been put up. Wrapped in protective sheets, the display panels were being carefully transferred to the trucks parked outside. The ground, which housed the ‘Food Village'' till Wednesday, was littered with egg shells, paper plates, paper napkins, coffee cups and overflowing dustbins.
Do you remember the eggs? Available at Re 1 per piece, boiled eggs sold like hot cakes at the congress.
Meanwhile, as for the delegates, while many opted to go uphill, others could be seen heading for the railway station to return home. The hostels, which played host to them, started opening their gates for students again. Dean, students'' welfare, Nirmal Singh said that more than 1,000 hostel rooms were used for accommodating the delegates.
Students, who stayed back at the hostels by sharing rooms with other friends, were seen going back to their rooms later during the day.