The International Herald Tribune | Opinion
August 8, 2008
The article "Everything is changing but treatment of poor" (Letter from India, Aug. 8) by Anand Giridharadas reminded me of a heart-rending experience I had during a recent business trip to Mumbai.
While being driven around the city by a professional driver who was unfailingly polite and efficient, we came to a stop light at a busy intersection. While waiting for the signal to change, a small, disheveled-looking girl covered with dust and grime, about 7 years old, wearing nothing but rags and holding a small baby in her arms, came to our car and tapped on the window, presumably begging for money. As it was in previous such encounters, with a heavy heart I ignored the girl. In similar circumstances in the past, usually the beggar would go away when I failed to respond.
This time, however, the little girl continued to tap lightly on the window and started saying something in her language that I did not understand. While considering whether I should open my window and give the girl some money, my driver all of a sudden rolled down his window and whacked the girl on the head with his fist - and not just once. As if hitting the girl was not enough, the driver, with a fierce expression, started yelling at her, probably telling her to get lost. I will never forget the sad look on the little girl's face. She didn't cry though, perhaps she was used to getting such a beating.
The light changed color and we drove off, the driver happily chatting away about a new mall that opened in Mumbai as if nothing had happened.
Ko Unoki, Mirokuji, Japan
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