SRIINAGAR, March 14 -- Under a rickety wooden electric pole, Suhail Ahmad (name changed) tries to emulate his favorite cricketer and hit a ball over the top. A yell of delight fills the air as he punishes the ball. However, behind the joviality of the 12-year-old lies the burden of poverty and the heroic battle to support a family of seven, including his bedridden father.

A class VI student, he doubles up as a street hawker and rag picker. Despite his struggles, he does not give up and shoulders the burden with ease. His innocenceand way of talking are enough to melt many hearts on Srinagar streets as he tries to sell semolina this Ramadan.

Ahmad has become an unlikely hero in Kashmir, given his tribulations, struggles, and daily fights...