© Francois Etienne Du Plessis | Dreamstime.com

Anyone visiting or even passing through Mumbai city is a potential client. The huge network of the ‘begging’ franchise spreads wide across the world, it may well be the largest commercial chain of entrepreneurs there is.

Beggars, for all they know, provide a much needed service to the cosmopolitan society. Some may disagree but if we tweak the prevailing perspective on this subject just a little, we will realize what the act of ‘giving’ offers to some. It provides vindication and a sense of belonging to the social paradigm. However, this may be a spit & shine solution to a much deeper conundrum.

Giving alms to the poor has been completely redefined in the modern world. It is no longer the occupation of the weak or underprivileged. There may even be a corporate hierarchy in some begging outfits. A team leader to manage the foot soldiers. A manager coordinating multiple teams and even a director of operations overseeing the macro functions of the group.

Like any profession, begging demands its own dress code. Professional makeovers may be used ranging from light makeup to hard core attires and hair-dos. Accessorizing may also have its benefits with rented wailers to crutches. All these can be written-off as business expenses in the broad sense.

Unfortunately, due to commercialization of the begging enterprise, the common man has become calloused to the fact that there are real unfortunates out there that need a helping hand every once in a while. There are so many wolves in sheep’s clothing that turning a blind eye seems like the only viable option.

Everyone may have their own stance on this argument and should form their own conclusions. The Bayesian Heresy blog has some interesting statistics. Here are a few scriptures to give a biblical perspective to all this. Please feel free to share your thoughts on this article.

  1. He who gives to the poor will lack nothing, but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses. Proverbs 28:26-28 (in Context)
  2. Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” Matthew 19:20-22 (in Context)
  3. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:2-4 (in Context)