Chandra Mishra never liked the sight of poor people and children begging on the streets. In hopes of making their lives better, he launched a mission called ‘Beggars Corporation’. Under this, he trains poor people in groups and helps them set up their businesses. So far, he has been able to give a better life to almost 14 families.
Varanasi: We often forget that not everyone enjoys the same privileges like us. No one can choose the family they are born into, and it is much the same with leading one’s life in a certain way. Instances can be observed on the roads where many people just give a few pennies to beggars while some feel disgusted by them.
There are only a few messiahs in this world that genuinely care for the upliftment of the poor people. Orissa’s Chandra Mishra laid the foundation of ‘Beggars Corporation’ in August 2022. He was tormented to see a large number population just spending their nights on footpaths in sweltering summers and nail-biting winters. He did an online survey and received responses from almost 27 thousand people. So far, he has been able to give a better life to almost 14 families.
How does the corporation work?
Chandra Mishra’ corporation helps farmers become entrepreneurs. His team provides training and arranges the required finances for the projects. The corporation was organized to make people below the poverty line independent. There is an entire process that is followed for the projects. Beggars are selected, verified and trained for three months.
In the first month, general training is provided to everyone. In the second and third months, specific trainings are provided regarding market trials and making advanced orders. In the fourth month, beggars become completely equipped to begin their startups. Monetary help of Rs 1 lakh is also provided to the beggars.
Lack of identity cards
Most people from below the poverty line, do not even possess identity cards like Adhaar card or voter ID card. Beggars Corporation specifically helps these people in launching their business. The banks don’t give out loans in these cases where the person does not have an identity card. The corporation forms a group of 5 to 10 people and gets them registered. Launching a business as a group is always given preference than individual startups. In a group, if a person lacks certain skills, then the other member can compensate for that.
Bringing in a change
So far, Chandra Mishra’s corporation has helped over 14 poor families. He shares that two families have set up shops near temples where they sell items related to worshipping materials like garlands, idols of deities and more. The other families run business of selling shopping bags. Furthermore, the corporation provides education to small children begging on the Varanasi ghats.
The idea
Chandra Mishra had always wondered about ways to help out beggars in some way. He would write long letters and applications to the government officials but as always, he never received a single response from anyone. This prompted Chandra Mishra to launch his own mission. Through his online survey, he learned about ways to lay the foundation of his corporation. He came to Varanasi on 30 December 2020, and began with his mission in 2021.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.