Summary

The article discusses four of India's wealthiest beggars who have amassed significant wealth through their begging activities, challenging societal perceptions of begging as a profession.

Abstract

The piece highlights the unconventional success stories of four Indian beggars: Bharat Jain, Sambhaji Kale, Laxmi Das, and Sarvatia Devi. Each has managed to accumulate substantial wealth, with Jain earning Rs 75,000 monthly and owning valuable property, Kale earning Rs 1,000 daily with significant real estate holdings, Das retiring with savings from 44 years of begging, and Devi owning a house and paying for health insurance. The author reflects on their determination and consistency, suggesting that finding a supportive audience can turn one's talents into a lucrative career, even in unexpected fields like begging.

Opinions

The author acknowledges the stigma associated with begging but also recognizes the parallel between begging and sales in terms of storytelling and persuasion to earn a living.
There is an element of surprise and admiration for the beggars' achievements, particularly their ability to afford luxuries and necessities that many employed individuals struggle to attain.
The article implies that begging, when approached with strategy and persistence, can be as financially rewarding as any other profession.
The author seems to appreciate the irony that beggars like Sarvatia Devi have health insurance, while many in supposedly more secure financial positions do not.
The piece concludes with an optimistic view that anyone can find a paying, supportive community if they leverage their best talents, suggesting that success can come from unconventional sources.
The author encourages readers to support writers by subscribing to Medium, drawing a parallel between the writers' need for support and the beggars' reliance on the generosity of others.

4 of the Richest Beggars in India

Begging as a high-paid career option.

You might get lucky and realize there are generous citizens in your country. Who knows?

Begging gets frowned upon by many. Yet, it is much like asking for a sale — you have to tell a believable story to get people to hand over their money to you.

Whether you beg or sell online, the endgame is similar. It’s about affording your bills by month-end.

Here are four Indians who got over the stigma of begging to make a living by imploring strangers to be generous.

Bharat Jain

Screenshot by Author | Photo posted on OrissaPost

Jain got labeled the richest among Indian beggars.

He works in the Parel region of Mumbai. He frequents locations such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Azad Maidan.

Reports say he earns about Rs 75,000 a month.

He also owns two apartments, each valued at Rs 70,000,000. He is the only breadwinner in his family as his wife, mother, and father do not work.

Sambhaji Kale

Screenshot by Author | Photo posted on The Filipino Today

He is another professional beggar who earns thousands a day. Some claims suggest he takes home Rs 1,000 per day. He owns a lot of real estate and investments worth thousands as well.

He asks for money in the Khar region of Mumbai, where he lives with his family.

Kale has a flat in Virar with two other houses plus land in Solapur. Even though it is not great if he comes home empty-handed, he is still well off than most. Can you imagine?

Laxmi Das

Screenshot by Author | Photo posted on Entertales

Her riches were so unexpected Das got featured on the BBC News in 2008. Quite the achievement.

She began begging at age 16. She would solicit funds near Hatibagan, a busy road junction in northern Calcutta. And reports say she earns Rs 1,000 a day. Das saved as much as possible to retire at 60.

Her bank deposit was over 91kg (200lb) of coins after 44 years of begging. Officials say it amounted to Rs 30,000 (US$692). After her story broke overseas, her bank received emails from people wanting to help her.

Sarvatia Devi

Screenshot by Author | Photo posted on youngisthan.in

Devi is a prominent beggar. Stories give her the title of richest Indian woman beggar. She has more than street smarts, and many get impressed by her intelligence and maturity.

What is most surprising is that she has insurance. She pays an insurance premium of Rs 36,000 per year. In 2020, 8.6% or 28.0 million Americans did not have health insurance at any point during the year. Shocking!

She also has owns a house in Patna and begs on trains in the surrounding areas.

My takeaway from this is their determination and consistency. It truly is possible to make a living from your best talent if you find a crowd willing to pay you. I hope we all find our paying, supportive community.

God’s speed. Thank you for reading.

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