English
Beggars chasing tourists, especially foreign visitors, is a common sight in many tourist spots. Though the sight of beggars, especially children, women carrying infants, old and the infirm, evoke misery, you should never forget the fact that your benevolence could in fact create problems for you.
One often finds scores of beggars sleeping on railway and bus stations. It not only obstructs free movement but also causes inconvenience for tourists. Beggars often position themselves at key points like foot overbridges, traffic signals where there are chances of tourists or pedestrians stopping.
The reality behind begging
India has often been derided as the land of the sadhus, beggars and snake charmers. Tourists often are under the belief that people forced by poverty resort to begging. Often religious considerations also come into play. Every major religion encourages its practitioners to look after the needy, destitute and the old.
However, remember the fact that often those who beg are part of criminal syndicates. The money that you give would end up in the hands of a criminal who lives off those who beg on the streets.
Those forced into begging are at times victims of human trafficking. Several instances have been unearthed where children are stolen and forced into begging after being mutilated. Children are blinded by criminal syndicates and arms amputated.
Escape, before it is too late
Beggars can be found at street corners, on road medians, railway and bus stations, train, near popular tourist sites. Often beggars divide the areas among themselves and defend their zones with alacrity.
It has been seen that beggars pester tourists especially foreign visitors for alms. One act of kindness can result in swarms of beggars surrounding you with demands of money. Police statistics reveals that such situations are exploited by criminals to steal from tourists.
If you encounter such a situation, it is always prudent to raise the alarm or leave the spot immediately. In no circumstance, should you be generous.
How to help beggars
In case, you want to contribute to the uplift of beggars, contact a charity or an NGO that works for their cause. Donating to charity organisations would ensure the money reaches the right people and you do not end up encouraging human trafficking.
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