In an extraordinary turn of events, a man in India has achieved millionaire status through street begging, according to a report by India Times.
Bharat Jain, a resident of Mumbai, has amassed a net worth of 75 million rupees (SGD$1.2 million) by engaging in this unconventional means of income generation.
Bharat Jain’s journey began in Mumbai, where he grew up in an impoverished environment. The lack of educational opportunities forced him to find alternative ways to sustain himself.
With limited options available, Bharat resorted to begging on the streets of Mumbai, hoping to earn enough to make ends meet.
Through the years, Bharat was able to generate a substantial income through begging. Spending long hours on the streets, he managed to earn between 2,000 (SGD$32.56) to 2,500 (SGD$40.70) rupees per day. This translated to a monthly income ranging from 60,000 (SGD$977) to 75,000 (SGD$1,221) rupees.
With his earnings, Bharat wisely chose to invest in real estate. He purchased two shops in Thane, a thriving area in Mumbai, which served as additional sources of income.
Through these properties, Bharat collected an additional 30,000 rupees (SGD$488.39) per month from rental income. Additionally, he acquired two apartments in Mumbai worth 7 million rupees (SGD$114,000), further boosting his net worth.
Despite his newfound wealth, Bharat continues to lead a humble life. He resides in a 1BHK duplex in the Parel area of Mumbai, along with his wife, two sons, brother, and father.
A 1BHK duplex refers to a residential unit consisting of a bedroom, hall, and kitchen. Despite his success, Bharat remains grounded and values the importance of family and community.
Still begging today
While Bharat’s children were fortunate enough to receive a formal education and attend a convent school, he himself was deprived of such opportunities.
Despite his family’s ownership of a stationary store and repeated advice to cease his begging activities, Bharat remained steadfast in his choice. He continued to beg on the streets of Mumbai and can still be seen begging at prominent locations such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Azad Maidan in Mumbai, the financial capital of India.
Images source: India Times