Two sisters, aged 10 and 14, from Kakopathar in Upper Assam’s Tinsukia district, have been selling vegetables in local markets to support their family.

“After selling vegetables, we buy essential commodities and medicines for ailing parents from the money earned,” said Parashmoni Bora, the elder sister.

Pompy is the younger one.

“Yes, they sell vegetables. Everyone knows about them and admires their struggle. Study, struggle and work all go together,” a vegetable vendor said.

Their parents, Ananta and Jaya Bora, are residents of Kherjan village. Parashmoni is in class IX and Pompy in class VI, both at Kakopathar Girls Higher Secondary School.

“We are unwell but have no choice but do daily work or farming in our small plot of land. Who wants their daughters to struggle like this? But we are helpless. We are living in penury and our house is dilapidated,” Jaya said.

“They go to school, they sell vegetables, they work in fields and search for wild vegetables. There is no permanent work. Sometimes, there is nothing to sell,” she said.

The family is hoping the state and central governments will provide them some help with the extension of the lockdown and the upcoming monsoon.

Kakopathar is a flood-prone area.