I cannot begin to express my frustration with the way UNICEF representatives have been approaching people in Bangalore. It seems like everywhere I go, from Indira Nagar to MG Road and Koramangala, there they are, lurking around every corner with their persistent smiles and scripted pleas. They've turned what was once a noble cause into an annoyance that disrupts our daily lives.

The worst part is their smug demeanor, as if they're doing us a favor by interrupting our day and giving us the "opportunity" to donate. I get it - you're trying to raise funds for children in need. But there's a line between raising awareness and being downright intrusive.

Is it really necessary to have them standing in the busiest parts of the city, blocking the sidewalks and making it impossible to avoid them? I can't even enjoy a peaceful walk or ride the metro without being ambushed by their relentless appeals. It feels like we're being stalked by a swarm of charity-seeking locusts.

And the 800 rs per month they're asking for? That's no small sum for most people. How much of that money is actually going to help the children, and how much is going towards their own salaries and operational costs? It's hard not to be skeptical when we're being hounded like this.

Furthermore, their tactics are often guilt-tripping and manipulative. They make you feel like you're an uncaring, heartless person if you don't hand over your hard-earned cash on the spot. But we have our own financial responsibilities, and it's simply not fair to be shamed into giving when we might not be able to afford it.

I understand that UNICEF is doing “important work”, and I “respect” their mission. But there has to be a better way to raise funds without harassing the public. Bangalore has a vibrant community of people who care about making the world a better place. If UNICEF could find a way to work with us, instead of against us, maybe we'd be more inclined to support them. Until then, I'll just have to keep dodging their representatives and trying to reclaim my peace of mind.