The Beggars Of A Pilgrim’s City is a thought-provoking essay book written by Makhan Jha and published in 1979. The book sheds light on the lives of beggars in Puri, a city known for its religious significance as a pilgrimage site in Odisha, India.
Puri is a city of contradictions. On one hand, it is a place of great spiritual importance, drawing thousands of pilgrims who come to seek solace and blessings at the famous Jagannath Temple. On the other hand, it is also a city of poverty and suffering, where beggars and lepers roam the streets in search of alms.
Makhan Jha’s book takes us on a journey through the streets of Puri, where we meet a myriad of beggars who are struggling to survive in a city that is both revered and neglected. Jha’s writing is poignant and vivid, capturing the desperation and resilience of these marginalized individuals.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is Jha’s portrayal of lepers in Puri. Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease that affects the skin, nerves, and mucous membranes, is highly stigmatized in Indian society. Lepers are often shunned and ostracized, forced to live on the outskirts of society.
Jha paints a heartbreaking picture of the lives of lepers in Puri, highlighting their physical suffering and their emotional isolation. Through his writing, he challenges the reader to confront the inhumanity of the stigma surrounding leprosy and to see the humanity and dignity of those who are afflicted by the disease.
The beggars of Puri are not just passive recipients of charity; they are complex individuals with their own stories, struggles, and hopes. Jha delves into the lives of these beggars, exploring their reasons for begging, their relationships with each other, and their dreams of a better life.
One of the most powerful aspects of The Beggars Of A Pilgrim’s City is Jha’s ability to humanize his subjects. He shows us that behind the rags and the outstretched hands, there are individuals with unique personalities and histories. By giving a voice to the voiceless, Jha challenges our assumptions and biases about poverty and begging.
In conclusion, The Beggars Of A Pilgrim’s City is a profound and moving book that offers a rare glimpse into the lives of the marginalized in Puri. Through his sensitive portrayal of beggars and lepers, Makhan Jha invites us to look beyond the surface and to see the humanity in those who are often invisible to society. This book is a poignant reminder of the need for compassion, empathy, and social change in a world marked by inequality and injustice.
Books Info
| Books name | The Beggars Of A Pilgrim’s City |
| Author | Gopinath Mohanty |
| No Of pages | 132 |
| Publisher | Nanda Kishor Dwivwdi |
| Publication | 1987 |
| Printed At | Agewal Printing Press |
| Distributor | NA |