blog: turning the boy into “a performing monkey”
But his achievements have been less well received by some government officials, who are anxious to counter India’s image as a country that turns a blind eye to child exploitation. Pramila Malik, a minister of state for women and child welfare, accused Mr Das of turning the boy into “a performing monkey”.Mr Das, 39, said that he was making no money out of Budhia and insisted he only had the child’s interests at heart. “I have a doctor check on him every few days and he’s fine,” he said. He has the backing of Budhia’s mother, Sukanti Singh, 35, and her son is likewise unconcerned. “I love running, I never get tired,” he said.Budhia is due to fly to London on May 15 at the behest of British-based Touch Productions, which is making a documentary about him for Five and the Discovery Channel. Touch says that it is paying the expenses of the trip but that no fee is being paid to the boy, his mother or carers.
