Coming to their rescue, a non-governmental organisation Joota Brigade Punjab was formed on the 631st birthday of Sri Guru Ravidass.

With an aim to make downtrodden aware about their rights and to provide them with basic amenities, the NGO plans to uplift cobblers, people who furnish leather and people from Meerzada society, Sehansies (balloon sellers), marasies, garbage lifters, etc.

Joota Brigade Punjab Founder President Shivram Saroay said, "We will make them aware about education and their rights so that they lead a better life. We have about 21 issues that need to be addressed."

The NGO has about 100 members, which is swelling with each passing day. He further said, "We are also inspiring women to join this brigade. We hope that we will be able to convince them soon."

The enthusiasm can be judged from the fact that on Sri Guru Ravidass Jayanti, the NGO took out a "Jaago" (an awareness campaign at night) for more than four hours. The drive started from Ahata Sher Jung, passed through division number 3 chowk, Mohalla Bajigariyan, Guchaman Gali, Bangar Mohalla, Dr Ambedkar Nagar, Bhaura, Bhattiya etc.

Saroay said many of these people earn meager Rs 1,200 in a month. There is no end to their woes and it is unfortunate that they are also not aware about their rights. Under such circumstances, it becomes imperative to make them aware about themselves and their precious lives.

The other problem is of marital disputes. "These people face lot of problem in solemnising marriage of their girls. In case, a girls face any problem after her wedding, no one pays any heed to her woes. So we have decided to tackle their marital disputes as well.

This way their time and money will be saved along with harassment of wandering from one office to another."

Saroay said, "We are targetting youngsters who are very enthusiastic. We will train these youngsters in judo-karate, yoga and weightlifting. For this, we have enough people who are well trained in all these fields and will help them in staying healthy. "