A complaint over a broken piggy bank turned into an emotional moment at a public hearing in Kanpur, after two young girls approached the District Magistrate seeking help to recover their savings.
The incident took place during the Janata Darshan programme, where residents bring their grievances directly to officials. Accompanied by their mother, Shanno, sisters Iswa Khan and Mariyam Fatima first went to a local police station after discovering that money saved in their piggy bank had been taken. However, the matter was reportedly dismissed as a minor domestic issue and no action was taken.
Refusing to give up, the children then went to meet District Magistrate Jitendra Kumar Singh. During the interaction, Iswa explained how she had been saving small amounts over time, coins, pocket money, and cash received from relatives with the hope of eventually buying a school bag or something useful. Her mother alleged that amid a family dispute, the piggy bank had been broken and the money taken.
Moved by the simplicity and sincerity of the complaint, the District Magistrate directed the local police to look into the matter. But what followed left a lasting impression on everyone present.
Calling the children closer, he arranged for new clay piggy banks and school bags. He then personally placed Rs 1,000 in each of the piggy banks, telling them that their lost savings had been restored. The gesture immediately changed the mood, as the girls, who had arrived visibly upset, broke into smiles.
For the children, the moment was not about meeting a senior official but about getting back what they had carefully saved. They folded their hands in gratitude, while their mother expressed relief that someone had listened to them.
Speaking later, the District Magistrate said it was encouraging to see children develop the habit of saving from a young age, adding that their concern deserved attention.
Among the many complaints heard that day, this small yet heartfelt story stood out, reminding everyone that even the simplest concerns can carry deep meaning.
(With inputs from Ranjay Singh)
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