Beggars are because of us.

I always wondered that somewhere we are responsible for the beggars on the streets of India. The survival instincts of the human race are by far the best, there is no denying that. So, if each one of us stops paying these beggars, then they will be forced to look somewhere else for their daily bread. It is because we pay them, they highly depend on us, and do not work for their daily bread, also their number keeps on increasing. Its not uncommon to hear cases of children being stolen and forced to become beggars. Not only children, women as well as men also face the same fate at times. Stories of even amputation of limbs have come to light, in order to be pitied at, and earn more from begging.

So, if we stop paying the beggars, will their number actually decrease? Won't they resort to criminal activities? Well, the possibility cannot be completely ruled out. But, isn't it the duty of the Police to keep a check on the criminal activities? Also, what assurance do we have that these beggars aren't criminals? Its a possibility that they apart from being beggars are also thieves, cheaters etc.

The another question that springs to the mind is, what about the physically challenged beggars, where will they go? I would say, just look around you, travel in a municipal bus once and you will realise. There are so many diverse, physically challenged people who work to earn their daily bread. I remember when I was in 11th standard, I used the PMT at times to travel to college, and believe me, there were two blind men and one lame man who used to travel to their work place every morning in the same bus and that too without any assistance from anyone.

I was discussing the same issue with a friend recently. We were seated in his car, when a young, healthy looking woman, in her late twenties, carrying a child came up to us to beg. I stopped him from paying her, I found her healthy enough to fend for herself and her child. He said, its not easy for them to get a job, I said its not easy even for us, graduates from reputed schools, to land in a job. I never said that getting a job is easy, but atleast its not impossible. There are so many daily wage labourers, and there is always a want for more. There are NGOs setup to help these people find jobs, help them bring that change in their life, so that they start living a more dignified life.

So think about it before you pay a beggar the next time. Its our responsibility as well to make a difference. Well this is my take on the issue, do post in your views as well, I will be glad.

Just a moment

"Sochna kya jo bhi hoga dekha jayega... Kal ke liye aaj ko na khona, aaj yeh na kal aayega..." song was playing as she was getting ready to leave. She glanced at the watch, she was running late, quickly she switched off the player, rushed outside and locked the door.
It was a good start to her day, she was happy, and was humming the song in her mind. She reached the office, and just like any other day, greeted her friend with the usual Good Morning, but today instead of the general 'Good Morn' reply, she just got a cold stare. She said "Arey baap re lagta hai aaj Meena madam ka mood theek nahi hai" and giggled. At this Meena turned and snapped at her, and told her to mind her own business. She was quite taken aback, she was concerned, she said "Sorry Meena, I didnt mean to hurt you, what's wrong? Is everything allright". Meena snapped again "I told you to mind your own business, now will you stop bothering me!" She thought that its better to keep shut now, if need be, she will talk to her later. But somehow the charm and freshness of the morning, which she felt had vanished. Her phone rang, she picked up the phone, and it was her friend on the line. She greeted him with a hello, but what she got in return was unexpected. He too snapped at her for some very stupid reason. This put her off completely!

Later during the day, another friend of hers called her up, and they also ended up quarrelling. She was really frustrated now, she couldn't concentrate on her work either. To top it all, her room mate, her best friend called her up, and was really angry with her, because of some stupid mistake on her part, she had to suffer, and all her hard work went down the drain. She felt pathetic, almost choking, her roomie hung up on her. She clenched her fist tight, everything was so miserable.

At work, her deadline was approaching, and nothing seemed to be working, every other thing that could never fail was also failing, and that too in the most complex manner. Her head was throbbing with pain now, as if it would burst open any minute. She wanted to scream, but had to resort to only a tightly clenched jaw, to give vent to her frustrations.

Finally the day ended, and it was time to leave for home. She wanted to leave the office as soon as possible, but didn't want to go home either, but she knew, she had to head for home straight. When she was leaving office, she received an sms, from a friend who had a confession to make. She messaged him back, promising that she won't be angry, and to go ahead with the confession. The next minute she received a long message, on reading the message, her bag fell from her hand. Her friend alongwith another friend of his, had been playing a prank on her for the whole of last week. She just replied with a false laugh, but nothing could match the anger that was burning her heart then. She rushed to her bike, and zoomed out of the office. The mockery, the anger, the argument, everything was hurting her. An urge to scream again took over her, warm tears were flowing down her cheek by now, her head felt as it it will split open any second, she shut her eyes tight, suddenly there was an excruciating pain and everything was silent after that, all the pain had gone, she felt as if she is in some deep, very deep sleep.

Next day in the morning, her friend Meena, was waiting in the office for her, so that she can tell her the good news. Her desk phone was ringing, her friend wanted to say sorry to her, coz he for no reason had snapped at her the yesterday. Another friend of her's was trying to call her up on her mobile, to say how stupid she felt, for quarreling with her on such a dumb reason. Her seniors at work were waiting to tell her, that the deadline of her work was extended and she had enough time to complete her work comfortably. Her prankster friends were sending her sorry messages, but none were getting delivered.

Her roomie, sitting beside the hospital bed, had come to know later that it wasn't her mistake, now all she could do was pray, that she comes out of the coma, and all the injuries which she sustained in that terrible road accident, heal faster, while waiting for her parents to arrive.