In the past few hours, many Indian celebrities have retweeted this picture of an unknown group of kids posing with a slipper as a phone and pretending to be taking a selfie.
While it is heartwarming to see the kids being happy with whatever resources they have, it also shows the grim reality of our times.
One of the first people to share the image was celebrity photographer Atul Kasbekar, who posted it on his Twitter handle.
I’m sharing this image that came in on text cause d unbridled innocence n joy of these lovely kids moved me n made me smile in equal measureSuper image that asks questionsIf anyone can reliably locate these munchkins n d photog I’d love to personally send them something each pic.twitter.com/5JWBmixzSH
— atul kasbekar (@atulkasbekar) February 3, 2019
Soon, many other people followed suit.
“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”:) #Attitude #Innocence #HeartWarming #SelfieWithAFootwear pic.twitter.com/Q6HOiyEkV5
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) February 3, 2019
Latest viral photo (kids taking a selfie with a chappal)! I want to know who the photographer is. Any idea? #kids #children #innocence #selfie pic.twitter.com/lCELvwsrRJ
— Shweta Parande (@Coolshweta) February 4, 2019
So Cute! Practicing for selfie before having phone!? See the smile on their faces!without anything!I was one of those children in a small village walking 3km to school without chappal & in half pants till ClassX!India still not tapped this talent who comprise 80 percent of India!
— Sudarshannarayandas (@Sudarshan080856) February 4, 2019
This is what Happiness is Group selfie with Hawai chappal! Look at the happiness in those little faces! pic.twitter.com/Nx31G7KJM6
— CHANDRAHAS KAIYORE (@KAIYORE19) February 3, 2019
A chappalinesque moment here!
The happiness of the have nots . pic.twitter.com/k5jehSFtHR— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) February 3, 2019
There are rumours that this picture might be photoshopped, though, with Amitabh Bachchan also questioning its credibility.
.. with due respect and apology .. i feel this is photoshopped .. notice that the hand that holds the chappal is different than the rest of his body in size .. to his other hand by his side !!
— Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) February 3, 2019
Ya..sir ..right hand thumb is missing
— DR.MILIND ZADE (@DrMilindZade) February 3, 2019
You are right one childs feet has been cut and pasted as hand. On close onservation his one leg is missing. Bad
— Sunder (@Sunder39756882) February 4, 2019