Bharat Jain
Credit: X/@SouleFacts
For about 40 years, Bharat Jain, who had resorted to begging after having a childhood filled with financial struggles which didn't allow him to pursue education, now has a net worth of Rs 7.5 crore, making him the richest beggar.
Living in Maharashtra's Mumbai, Bharat (54) can be seen begging at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Azad Maidan.
According to a report by Economic Times, Bharat's average earnings for a day are around Rs 2,000 to 4,000 depending on the area he begs in and the kindness of people passing by.
Working for 10-12 hours without any break, Bharat's monthly income ranges between Rs 60,000 to 70,000.
Bharat's empire in today's date is not a result of only begging, but also his smart investment decisions.
He owns two flats in Mumbai worth Rs 1.4 crore and lives with his wife, two sons, father, and brother.
Bharat also owns two shops in Thane which generate him a rental income of about Rs 30,000 every month.
Bharat ensured that his two sons receive quality education which he couldn't, by sending them to a prestigious convent school.
His children now contribute to another family-run business of stationery, thus adding to Bharat's family income.
Despite earning a good fortune, Bharat still chooses to beg.
In an interview with the publication, Bharat said, "I enjoy begging, and I don’t want to give it up. I’m not greedy. I’m generous. I donate money to temples and charities."
Begging in India is a vast industry and there are other beggars too like Bharat - Sambhaji Kale with a net worth of Rs 1.5 crore and Laxmi Das with a net worth of Rs 1 crore.
Though it is banned in India, begging till date remains a widespread practice despite the government implementing various measures—fines, arrest, government schemes—to curb it.