Is begging a convenient way of living or a state of mind, if one is forced by misfortune? Unless one accepts his/ her condition, he/she cannot take alms. People might prefer to open their palms before the Almighty but not another human being. In this context it is their honesty and goodness which prepares them for the most undignified job. They throw away the garb of shame when confronted with a strong feeling of hopelessness and decide to live life on its terms .

Begging has always been associated with misfortunes and poverty. A fall from good living as well as adversity push the people in to beggary. For some it is a temporary phase to rebuild their old life but many others are not so lucky.

Why do people beg? Can there be any rehabilitation ? Shelters for homeless and some abandoned sites are the places they live in. The exposure to harsh weathers, society and impoverishment makes them sick. What is does it take to solve the issue, where are the beggars found, what do they want are some of things to be seen.

The rows outside the temples are the most striking example of where these people are found. Devotees go inside with a prayer on their lips and alm seekers wait outside the shrine in almost the same fashion. Both the set of people have faith but the beggars outshine the others by waiting to be heard by HIM. But today all these kinds of philosophies and explanations will not work. There is an urgent need to relocate and offer them workable solutions.

Begging has always been downgraded and a censured activity. Tamil great Ouvaiyaru says it is disgraceful hundreds of years ago in Athi chuvadi. A well grown society with traditions of guidance imparted by countless wise men and scholars, cannot produce beggars. The morality of the people of the land is at fault. What the education and know hows have done is in the techniques of cheating. Greed and jealousy still affect many .

Bhiksha Patra( begging bowl) is revered in Sanatan Dharma. The holy men used to give the aspirants Deeksha (initiation) into their school of thought and prepare them for the world by sending them on Yachana ( asking for food) . This was done to bridge the gap between them and others. The community supported the schools of learning in the vicinity. In turn the wise men advised them and helped them solve the local issues. These practices were followed in Jainism and Buddhism as well. Even today offering Bhiksha to Sants and Sadhus is considered very sacred. These are the finer aspects of the ritualistic offerings.

Ravan can be considered the first Bhikshu who misused this practice and set a bad example to the world for fraudulent ways of begging. Unscrupulous elements have turned this nightmarish. This system runs parallel to the genuine people who are engaged in begging.

Finally we are left with a heavy heart looking at the degeneration of values in our lives. In today's India we have world s richest people, which we could never think of. Can we have them to join in this mission to eradicate beggars and begging.