Those Who Live in Glass Houses Shouldn’t Throw Stones

Often while distributing “boondi prasaad” on Tuesdays, I also give some small eatables to the poor who assemble outside the temple.

Last Tuesday as I was distributing biscuit packets to the urchins, I heard someone shouting, “Don’t give them anything! Instead of exhorting them to work and earn their living, you are giving freebies to them. You are just spoiling them.”

I looked around and saw a person in his sixties sitting with his friends, frowning at me.

After doling out biscuits to the less fortunate, I went straight to the gentleman and said, “Sir, I’m sorry if my behavior has offended you in any way. But you see all those begging for alms are either handicapped or illiterate. They are incapable of earning their living honorably.”

“Let them die then. You shouldn’t bother about them unnecessarily.” said the person nonchalantly.

“Sir, may I know what kind of work you do. For which organization are you working?” I asked politely.

“I have retired from a government school. My salary was Rs 65,000/ per month. Now I’m getting a hefty pension post-retirement.” he said, haughtily.

“Were you a Headmaster of a school?” I asked in amazement.

“No, I was a peon cum chowkidar.” he said.

“Sir, a peon or a watchman doesn’t get more than Rs 15,000/ per month in any private organization. It means that you have “earned” about Rs 50,000 more than your private sector counterparts. This along with innumerable holidays, flexible working hours. And now for playing cards under this banyan tree with your friends, government is providing you a lifelong, hefty pension by picking the pockets of hard working citizens. Should I call it alms giving or tip payments by the industrious tax payers of nation?” I said, somewhat angrily.

Feeling humiliated, he left the place hurriedly.

~ Sanjay Gargish ~