Beggars Gets New LIFE.......!!

A unique initiative at a shelter for beggars in Surat has changed their lives. Today, not only do they earn enough to feed themselves and their families, they have also earned a lot of respect and admiration.

Today Modh, a beggar, is really a son of the soil at peace with himself and his work. But Modh's life wasn't always this peaceful. Until a few months ago, his only income was from begging at the Surat railway station.

Then the police picked him up and brought him to the temporary shelter. But now he's got a permanent job at the shelter and he does well enough to support his family. There are others like him here, all once beggars, all now gainfully employed.

And thanks to the home's unique scheme, they can all now dream of a future.

''Once I am out of this place, I will earn enough money to start farming on my own. I don't wish to beg any further; it hardly brings you money and you loose prestige. I want to earn money by farming for my family,'' said Durgadas Modh, beggar turned farmer.

''I never thought of earning money by producing vegetables and selling them. I used to believe in easy money coming as alms from pedestrians and passengers. Now I have a new lease of life,'' said Birju Lohar, beggar turned farmer.

The vegetables they grow are organic and there's a good market for them.

''We have initiated talks with corporates in retail of vegetables to buy from us and sell through our outlets. In fact, that will also ensure a steadier income for the inmates,'' said Dina Patel, Superintendent, Surat Bhikshuk Gruh.

This is a success story the government wants to replicate at other homes for beggars in Gujarat.