Reporter’s Diary: When a reporter comes under the spotlight

To be fair, reporters too prefer to remain unnoticed, as that gives them ample space to look for leads. Having said that, an NGO taking care of abandoned special children, was the last place where this reporter expected to receive some special attention. 

Waiting at the office, where she was expecting the NGO authorities to turn up for an interview, she was caught off the guard, when her name was announced. 

“We have amidst us Ms…., who has come all the way to meet us. Calling all the children to come down and say a hello to her,” blared an announcement through a speaker. Before the reporter could pull herself together, a group of children and other inmates had surrounded her. 

Startled by the growing attention, this scribe looked around to see a young girl walking up to her with a plate, all poised to perform a small arati, a custom followed to mark an occasion in most Hindu households, the girl flashed a disarming smile. “Wait, this is only for important people, not me,” this reporter protested. 

“Well, you are important for us,” said the authorities in chorus. The 30-second ritual seemed like three hours for the reporter, who hopelessly stared at the floor, expecting it to open and swallow her. The bell rang, distracting the crowd, directing them to proceed to their class, much to the reporter’s relief.