Philanthropy As An Afterthought
“As I plunked down 2,000 rupees to cover the bill, I had an idea. I totted up what I'd spent so far: 2,541 rupees remained in my budget. When I got back to Manhattan, I vowed, that cash would go to the Bombay Leprosy Project. It wasn't much, but I knew that in Mumbai, it would go a long way.” (Frugal Traveler: Visiting in Luxury, With Money Left for Philanthropy, September 23, 2007 New York Times)
Thus a report from India ends with a nod toward philanthropy following a two-day pub crawl through Mumbai (formerly Bombay). The premise is that the author will spend only $500 during his two days there. But he finds the task difficult when his friends take him bar hopping on Friday night (until 5 a.m.) and clubbing on Saturday.
It turns out there are at least two strata in Mumbai society: the wealthy and the poor. The poor are everywhere, and the wealthy are concealed behind gates, high walls and security guards.
At 43 rupees to the dollar, the reporter had 21,500 rupees to spend in a place where the middle class makes about that in a month. Forget about the needy. They’re lucky to see that kind of money in a year. Yet, the reporter details what a struggle it is to get by with American standards in a country as economically challenged as India, especially when you spend 75% of your money on luxury the first night.
But you should be glad to know that with the pennies left, the Bombay Leprosy Project will be encouraged to continue its good work.
Thus a report from India ends with a nod toward philanthropy following a two-day pub crawl through Mumbai (formerly Bombay). The premise is that the author will spend only $500 during his two days there. But he finds the task difficult when his friends take him bar hopping on Friday night (until 5 a.m.) and clubbing on Saturday.
It turns out there are at least two strata in Mumbai society: the wealthy and the poor. The poor are everywhere, and the wealthy are concealed behind gates, high walls and security guards.
At 43 rupees to the dollar, the reporter had 21,500 rupees to spend in a place where the middle class makes about that in a month. Forget about the needy. They’re lucky to see that kind of money in a year. Yet, the reporter details what a struggle it is to get by with American standards in a country as economically challenged as India, especially when you spend 75% of your money on luxury the first night.
But you should be glad to know that with the pennies left, the Bombay Leprosy Project will be encouraged to continue its good work.
posted by Schultz and Company | 1:09 PM
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