The Indian beggar is very persistent. Wherever you go he is sure to follow you. You stop to talk to a friend for a minute, and he is there. You go to a shop to buy something, and he is there too. There is no escape from him. He does not leave us in peace even in our homes. He comes there also ask for alms.

Broadly speaking, there are two classes’ beggars. First, there are those who are strong and able-bodied men. They can work as we l as any one of us. But they do not work for their living because they find it easier to live on the charity of others. No alms should be given to such beggars, and then there are those who are old and weak, blind and lame. Such beggars should be pitied and helped. They should be providing with food and clothing.

It may, however, be pointed out that Indian beggar is, on the whole, an object of pity. He has no means of earning is live hood. He lives by begging. He goes about quite naked expect for a small loin-cloth his body is covered with dirty and ashes. His hair is long and dirty. He never washes his face and hands, because he thinks that the dirtier he looks the more the people will pity him. He generally carries in his hands a long stick to drive away the barking dogs that often fly at him. He carries a begging –bowl made of clay. He goes from shop to shop begging for food or money.

He is, indeed, a very miserable creature. In winter he has nothing to protect himself against the biting cold. In summer he suffers from the scorching heat. He lives where he can and sleeps very often on the pavement.

There are very few people who receive him well. when he goes to them for alms. They sometimes abuse him. even beat him and turn him out of doors. It is only women who show him some mercy. They think that alms given to the poor will bring them blessings in the next life. So sometimes they give him food to eat, sometimes a few coins in charity, and sometimes a rag to cover his naked body.

Some beggars are really lazy and wicked fellows. They commit thefts at night. Such beggars should be given nothing. They should be caught and punished. They should be made to work for their living like honest people. Alms-giving is a great virtue. But we should give alms only to those that are really poor, holy and helpless.