Street Illegal.

Many a time our hearts reach out to the homeless impoverished beggar or urchin who begs for money to eat. This universal epidemic prevalent from the descent of human life, paradoxically eludes the solutions of economists who have tried to bridge the gap between the haves and destitute. All of us have at some time with altruistic feelings tried to eradicate poverty in our own small way with the best of intentions, only to be rewarded with ingratitude. Many philanthropists, N.G.O.’s and charitable institutions have tried to reach out even through self – abnegating generosity. Apocryphal stories abound along with anecdotal experiences, some gave loans of Rs.5000/- to a mother and her malnourished children to start a trade and quit begging, and was surprised to find that she instead invested in a T.V. and was back on the streets in 2 days. Similarly a 13 year old street urchin was given Rs. 3000/- which he splurged on a pair of Nike Shoes and was starving and begging the next day. To understand ingratitude you must know the basic nature rooted in self-aggrandizement and egos of even street urchins. Those who are addicted to the lure of the streets and begging do not want to labor for survival. The sense of freedom, excitement and adventure the streets offer does not warrant the investment of an unknown future. He or she loves being a truant, beggar, even a thief by mere habit - an addict and dodger for life. Shaky ego, an inferiority complex, are the truths that manifest as ingratitude, sad but wiser for us so that our sympathies and affection are not misplaced or ill directed anymore. They are happy even without our money.