How Blue and White Umbrellas, Buttermilk, and a Little Kindness Brought Smiles Under the Summer Sun
In the burning heat of Lucknow’s summer, where the sun feels like it’s having a personal grudge against humanity, we set out on a small journey with umbrellas in hand and kindness in our hearts. Not just any umbrellas, but beautiful blue and white colours that brought a little calm in the chaos, a bit of sky and cloud to the dust-covered streets.
Our mission was simple
Give street vendors some relief from the brutal heat.
But as we shared cold buttermilk, soft towels, and those much-needed umbrellas, something unexpected happened, we received more than we gave.
We remember an old couple selling fruits by the roadside. They’ve probably seen more summers than we’ve seen seasons.
When we handed them an umbrella, their eyes lit up. The old man joked, “Now I look like a five-star fruit seller!”
while his wife added, “Next, I want a fan and a fridge!” We all laughed, but behind the laughter was a quiet thank you, a moment of dignity restored.
At every stall, there was a new face, a new story. A young mother selling lemons smiled and said, “Now my lemons won’t dry out before someone buys them!” Another vendor joked, “You’ve given me a VIP tent, I’m ready for a wedding now!” But behind every joke was a lifetime of hard work, sweat, and daily battles with the sun, the dust, and sometimes, the system.
These street vendors aren’t just sellers, they are dreamers, fighters, and survivors.
They don’t have apps or air conditioning, but they have spirit. And sometimes, that’s more than enough.
But let’s be honest, development often forgets them. Big malls rise, and small stalls get pushed into corners.
While we chase comfort, they chase the next customer. So what’s the middle ground? Maybe it’s us. We are the bridge.
Instead of buying plastic-wrapped, week-old fruits from a mall, why not stop by that old couple’s stall?
Their fruits are fresher, cheaper, and wrapped in stories. Buy your vegetables from the man who remembers your name, not a scanner.
Let's make “local” more than just a trendy word.
Every umbrella we gave was a small shelter, but every purchase you make from a street vendor is a roof, a school fee, and a meal.
In a world where progress often runs ahead, we must not leave behind those who built the road we walk on.
More than shade, let's give our support, and respect.
After all, development should have space for everyone, a mango seller under a blue and white umbrella.
