By A Correspondent

New Delhi : The morning of November 19, World Toilet Day, I went to the prestigious Parliament Street of Delhi. The stench that rose from the street was worse than any stench from the worst slum in Delhi or Mumbai.

Protesters, mostly sugar cane farmers from various villages used one side of the road as a public lavatory. Human refuse lay scattered all over the side walk.

Thousands of people who come to protest at the Jantar Matar express their protest by using this place as a public convenience! We cannot forget the fact that this is happening just a kilometer away from the Parliament House of the largest democracy in the world.

The Free Church, Bible Society of India and YWCA International Guest House are situated on one side of the road. The other side is occupied by various Banks and Corporate offices of companies.

As the city is getting ready to host the Commonwealth games, local authorities are responsible to facilitate a hygienic and pleasant environment.

Any place of worship in India is considered sacred and no one even dares to spit anywhere near the entrance of such a house. We haven't forgotten the incident of a pastor getting assaulted because he spat unintentionally in front of a temple in Delhi.

How then could these Indians shamelessly relieve themselves in front of The Free Church and the headquarters of the Bible Society of India? The photograph here shows two "leaders" on Parliament street peeing in public to their hearts' content.

With due respect to the protesters who are fighting for their rights, BSI Secretary Richard Khan wrote to the authorities to alleviate the unhealthy atmosphere created by protesters. Working in these offices is a nightmare to many dignified men and women.

"We have scheduled two important meetings in the Church and in the Bible House on Saturday and Sunday. How can we now proceed with these meetings?" he exclaimed in his desperation.