Opinion
Even the beggars are boring
I often encounter beggars in NepalEak Prasad Duwadi
This is the reason why I pity myself for not being able to donate a larger sum. At the same time, I also wonder whether it is only my fault. How can a beggar set a minimum rate for alms as many labourers working in the factories have been championing for higher wages? A few of my friends have even argued that beggars are not free people. They are employees of the mafia and human racketeers.
Last August, I was visiting both urban and rural parts of the eastern and western US including California, Ohio, Georgia, Chicago, Virginia and Washington DC. Besides finding many new types of food, amenities, lush green forests and clean water, I saw some beggars mostly in the metropolitan cities. I found that they are more creative. They paint and dress themselves in particular styles besides looking sane. Whether they receive a dollar or a cent, they are content with it. Even if someone does not help them, they do not block the way or let out curses.
Coming out of a restaurant in Washington, DC, my friend and I got startled when someone waved a hand as we opened the door of the car. Suddenly, what we saw was a giant figure approaching us. As we had heard about thugs and muggers, the giant figure made us nervous. Suddenly, the man lowered his head and murmured, “I am broke, please help me.” My Nepali American friend took out his wallet in no time and gave him 10 cents. The man grinned and said, “Thank you.” I sighed with relief, and just happened to compare him with the beggars I often meet in Nepal. I concluded that even the beggars here lack creativity. Like many people, they also want to earn a lot with little effort in less time. This is the reason we are regressing.