New industry makes its presence felt in Chennai
After the IT and automobile industries moved into Chennai, there’s another that’s been slowly creeping in without much song and dance. It’s most visible at traffic signals, parking lots, outside ATMs, restaurants and on busy commercial streets.
The begging industry.
And it’s not old people seeking help. Young, healthy women on most occasions carrying sleeping babies, are the ones contorting their faces in an attempt to tug at your heartstrings.
Trust me, it’s hard to refuse.
But I’ve heard enough of kids being kidnapped and forced into begging. Sometimes even maimed (handicapped kids apparently earn more). I’ve heard of infants being drugged and put to sleep so they can be easily carried around.
From what I’ve seen, the problem is too widespread and therefore beyond repair in Mumbai and Bangalore. Chennai still has a chance to contain it.
After the IT and automobile industries moved into Chennai, there’s another that’s been slowly creeping in without much song and dance.
I beg your pardon! There have been beggars in Madras since before I was born. You youngsters have it easy. We didn’t have your blogs and posts back then. When I was in school we used to have mature discussions about whether Madras was the begging capital of the world or not, and we were happy. We also walked to school in the snow heat, uphill both ways, so there!
Foo,
The ‘begging’ situation in Chennai is not so bad when compared to Mumbai and Bangalore where it is highly organized. It can be curbed if adequate steps are taken before it spirals out of control.
You youngsters have it easy. We didn’t have your blogs and posts back then.When I was in school we used to have mature discussions…
Jesus! WHo is this guy?? Please, your highness, spare us your sanctimonious drivel.
Manoj… can’t believe you haven’t been run over.
How many years have you been walking around Chennai with your eyes shut?
Maybe you’ll be noticing the traffic next, or the summer heat, or the auto drivers.
Jesus! WHo is this guy?? Please, your highness, spare us your sanctimonious drivel.
Typical whippersnapper. Can’t even remember his comedy sketches. Google for whippersnapper uphill both ways to be better educated.