The irony of generosity

You feel a familiar tug at the station.

It isn't from someone you know. It's more likely you haven't ever met the person before.

Or maybe you have, before the beginning of every single commute you make.

It isn't alms that are sought, though. They'll have what you're having, if you're having it. Not the generous type and pretty much like the cow in the middle of a road, I ignore all the fervent tugs and incessant pleas for attention. I find myself trying not to say something mean or spiteful while others get a spiritual kick out of charity.

There's the blind flautist at one corner of the east end of the main bridge at Dadar station, the harmonium players on platform number four in Andheri and I'm sure countless other talented individuals in cities across India who you mean to offer some money but don't.

However, infants lugged around by mothers and sisters, eunuchs and crossdressers have you reaching into your pockets for the odd change. I understand they all pay some sort of price for the location and the lesser limbs you have, the more the chances of survival. But what are you doing about it? You're not part of the solution. Don't be a part of the problem either.

Your sympathy won't fill their stomachs. Your compassion won't warm their hearts. Your kindness will not be remembered. You want to know why? Because you will do it once, for a week, a month, maybe. In time, inflation will stop the hand from reaching for the wallet. You develop a thicker hide. You'll turn into a cynic like me.

And here's why. We all want something in return. In time, you'll find that their prayers won't bring you everything you wanted, everything they promised the gods would deliver. You find yourself being responsible for a group whose numbers are swelling as we speak. There comes a time when you wonder if being charitable is worth it at all.

If you have more than you need, give. But give to those that need it and work for it. Let those that ask for something, earn it. My logic is simple: If you don't work while on the job and draw a salary for simply being there, it won't last long. Be productive and you will be noticed.

We're all read those stories of beggars who earn more in a day than we do in a month, so why should I empty my pockets and make them richer? We might live in matchboxes but as one story in this newspaper pointed out, not too long ago, they have more than one apartment to spread their wings.
Who's poorer for being a generous giver, then?