American Suit in India: On Giving to the Needy

Children pull on your clothes and point to their mouths, old men sit along the road with hands out, women in hard times tap on the windows of cars. It's hard to turn away someone in need when you know that, at least for a moment, you can make things easier.   

Your 10 or 20 rupees may allow them food for the day, and that is some comfort. More than that is a difficult mix of arrogance and naivete. It's pretending to be a hero -- the kind of hero that shows up for a second and then rushes off to tend to his cape.

What's more, giving to children reinforces a child labor economy. You will discover that for many of these children, there is some adult having them beg throughout the day, rather than attend school -- school which is free to kids 6-14, which gives free meals each day, and which provides an opportunity for a future off the street.

If you feel pulled to help the people you see, respond to that call with sustainable action and impact. Invest your money, time, and other resources into a local reputable organization that aligns with you values.  There are hundreds in any Indian state, but here's a short list of my favorites:

Teach For India
Building a movement of leaders to solve the problem of educational inequity in India.
http://www.teachforindia.org/

Justice And Care
Rescues and supports victims of trafficking, slavery and other abuses.
http://www.justiceandcare.org/

Rotary Foundation, India
Supports selected programs locally and globally including ending polio and starting schools.
http://www.rotaryfoundationindia.org/

 I've been living and working in Bangalore, India -- practicing Transcendental Meditation, leading international teams, and eating with my hands. I'm Alex Salinsky and you can see more of an American Suit in India here.