People as those depicted above are nearly omnipresent in India. Sometimes I am assaulted by groups of street women and their children 10 at a time. Sometimes over 20 people call out asking for money in a few hour period walking around anywhere. Sometimes the parents of street children beat their kids if they don't come back with a sufficient amount of money. Sometimes the person doesn't need the money for food or to survive but is just trying to get something for nothing. Toddlers and babies that can't even walk are taught this way. The situation is of the highest extreme I have ever witnessed.
I have decided not to give Philanthropic donations to people in India. The main reason is to not contribute to the damage of culture, the dependence on charity, fostering helplessness or encouraging all the other things that come along with it. Instead I have taken up the habit of giving away about a dollar of food everyday. The form varies, be that bread, fruit, or a meal, but I refuse to give money. The poverty in India is great, and the situation doesn't seem to be improving at nearly any reasonable rate. It is deeply saddening, yet at the same time, small change doesn't alleviate the situation.
There are many ways to view such a complicated issue. I see merit in both-every side most of the time. Instead of satisfying their desire for some coins, I often befriend them and sit and talk with them. I believe they need love and attention more than they need a few pennies. It seems to be the case for most people, regardless of their financial situation. I hope that my small part helps our collective situation.
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