[Original caption] They are a patient people, the villagers of India; they have been hungry these 30 centuries or so and it never occurs to them that they have any claim to be filled except by charity. Here we see a poor cripple carried to her place for quest of coins to buy a little rice, and if you give, you may be hailed as "Lord and Protector of the poor." [end]
In India, beggars can be classified in different categories. The lepers, the elderly, the unemployed and the disabled usually are some common categories. Some beggars who are physically strong enough to be employed can also be seen begging in the name of continuing a family tradition!
With several government policies aimed at the rehabilitation of beggars, the number of beggars now has been reduced. However, the beggar community blames the apathy of public and its growing selfishness for the death of their profession.  |
