Change is around the Corner......

After years, it is actually happening that people are collectively talking about repealing the beggary law.Its heartening to see how people from different ngo's are actually making an effort to understand what happens under the Beggary Prevention Act. They are at least opening up to the idea of discussing it as an issue. There is an acknowledgement that yes, this is an issue that needs to addressed along with wide range of issues concerning civil, social and political rights and well being of the marginalised and abused communities and groups.

Though there is a long way and i completely understand that by merely acknowledging the issue is not going to get resolved. However, that's how bad it was. Acknowledging it certainly an act of acceptance and as i see more and more groups coming ahead and endorsing our position of seeking repeal for the beggary prevention legislation through out the country, i gain the confidence that soon we will have these groups even advocating for the repeal.

Lot has gone into it.We have travelled extensively meeting people from various organisations and groups sharing with them what happens under the beggary prevention act and how the institutions are nothing more than the jails. We have put so much energies in visiting schools and colleges just to let the students who are undoubtedly going to be the custodians of the society, know that these poor and destitute people who are being criminalised and labelled by the systems are actually the ones who need them the most. Any hatred towards them would mean leaving out the most needy. We wanted to break the myths.

We wanted to break the notions surrounding around destitution and those who are into begging.We are glad its happening.The way people, especially students and agencies working in areas other than homelessness are approaching us with a request to spend some time with them discussing the law and situation, we know some of those age-old myths are getting broken.

While we taking time off to feel encouraged  and good about it,we know we just can not afford to relax.Systems, forces that have for several years criminalised the helplessness and destitution aren't going to give up easily.It is a huge challenge and we have a key role to play. And we will.