Some pockets are bottomless when filled with public trust .

Begging is a common things for many countries and India is not lacking behind. The number of beggars have increased over a decades or so. There are many people who like to help these poor section of society. They do not want to see the plight of the poor individuals on the streets or on roads. They came out all gun blazing to help them from money, to utilities to cloth to food. However, my experience with them is completely different. I used to be a guy having soft corner for them, and help them with little charity now and then. I once helped a poor guy on the red light with some money. The next day I found the same beggars talking on a #smartphone. The sight really made me to wonder are we really helping the poor, or it has becomes a business for people to beg and earn money. The meaning of charity have simply transformed in last few years.

(own edited image)

Ever since the incident, I avoid making charity to any beggars. Charities are done to help the needy and vulnerable section of the society. It address societal issues like poverty and inequality, and promote well-being of the poor. In our country, donation made to different charitable institution and other relief fund are tax exempted. So many individuals, corporates and other organization make donation on large scale. But there no check to determine if the money were actually used for right purpose or not. A nation reeling with multiple levels of corruption there is higher possibility that the donation or charity money were not utilized properly. Donation money can be subject to corruption, such as embezzlement by individuals or organizations, fake charities that steal money, or the use of donations as bribes. This fraud can involve setting up fake charities, diverting funds from legitimate ones, or using donations to improperly influence decision makers.

Corruption thrives on silence

I know a person, who was nothing few years ago. But with the help of some bureaucrats, he open up a NGO (non governmental organization) to help the poor. He set up many plans for the welfare of the society, girls education, free meals and etc. With his reach at top government level he manage to divert huge fund for his organization. Todays he lives a lavish life, owning multiple vehicles, property etc. He creates huge wealth for himself in no time. And his source of funding is the donation and charity that were given to his organization. What used to be for the welfare of the society are now a means of his luxuries. It is strange, how a person with nothing in pocket few years ago becomes a reputed wealthy person of the society. Only by running a charitable organisation.

Corruption devoid the basic meaning of charity

Charity is considered a good thing because it provides essential help to those in need, strengthens communities, and offers significant physical and mental health benefits to the giver. It is viewed as a virtue in many cultures and religions, promoting empathy and a sense of purpose for both the recipient and the donor. While some disadvantages exist, such as a lack of control over how funds are used, the potential positive impact is widely recognized. However, #corruption fundamentally devoid a charity of its purpose by diverting funds, undermining trust, and preventing aid from reaching those in need. Corruption directly siphons money intended for charitable activities (e.g., poverty relief, health, education) towards personal enrichment, extravagant overhead costs, large executive salaries, or unrelated expenses. This means less than half of a donation might reach its intended recipients in some cases.

While the purpose of a charity is to serve the public interest and provide aid, corruption fundamentally turns this mission on its head, making the organization functional for the corrupt actors but dysfunctional for the intended beneficiaries. I stopped doing any charity.

In good faith - Peace!!