Beggars in India
Beggars are commonly found in India. They are seen in every town, city and village in India. The core areas of activities are the places of pilgrimage and worship. They sit on your heels on the banks of rivers, near temples and other busy places. They wander from street to street, from one locality to another and beg for food and money. They accept with grace whatever is given to them. But, sometimes they pursue people so consistently that people get tired of them.
Some people give money or food to beggars in order to get rid of them and not due to pity. Some beggars are so young and strong they do not justify charity at all.
There are few justifiable cases of begging. Those who are paralyzed, lame, deaf, dumb, and blind or disabled, are unable to earn their living. Some are pitiable states that evoke pity and compassion. These poor beggars are well versed in the art of singing religious songs. Some beggars have very melodious voice. Their sweet voice attracts the passing persons. These singing beggars are mainly in the trains and buses and they fascinate travelers through their hymns and devotion.
Sometimes, a deaf and dumb beggar is seen. It is also common to see a beggar who is suffering from leprosy. These people, suffering from leprosy are carried from one place to another in a manually driven cart. These beggars are well acquainted with human psychology and beg according to the inner way of thinking of the people. While many of the begging cases are justifiable, some beggars also cheat innocent women. They sometimes even steal the money and jewelry of these women.
The number of beggars in India is increasing. These beggars are living on the earnings of other people. It’s a pity that even strong and fit people in India resort to begging. They further indulge themselves in drinking and gambling. Their bodies become sick. They carry the infection with them and wander from place to place. Therefore, are answerable, to a large extent, for the spread the diseases and immoral values.
Begging by healthy and fit people must be banned in India by law. Legislation should be enacted to stop this profession. However, the justifiable cases should receive help and must be gainfully employed. Street begging is really a nightmare for India. The modern Indian people will not be won over by any religious sentiment. Therefore, the beggars are not treated the way they expect to be treated.
