Why society needs to uplift the poor?

We often forget that we are living in one world. A world in which the poor are fellow human beings, just like us. People that we hold responsibility to. People that we need to care for. But there is a common misconception that uplifting the poor is only about selfless giving, providing little benefits for society. In reality, this is contrary to the case. Poverty alleviation not just promotes social justice, but also provides economic, social and health improvements for the nation.

Cloth donation drive in Gurgaon 

India is known for being the world’s biggest democracy. Yet it faces vast unequal differences in the distribution of power, control and autonomy, which are fundamental principles of democracy in the first place. How is it just that India is known as one of the world’s richest nations and yet 42% of Indians live below the poverty line? We cannot just turn a blind eye to the suffering of the poor. It is the duty of those that have access to resources and education, to make a difference when they can. This does not mean dragging down the wealth of the rich, but uplifting the poor. This involves providing the poor with economic, educational and political tools that encourage autonomy and active participation in society.

Many that live in poverty could have been doctors, innovators and investors creating a difference for the nation. But because poverty limits access and control over basic necessities like food, education and health services, few have a chance at becoming productive members of society. If those in poverty were provided with the opportunity to utilize their full potential, their contribution to the economy would be immense. We need to recognize that the fortune lies at the bottom of the pyramid.

Research indicates more equal nations are less likely to suffer from social and health-related problems. This is worrisome for countries like India, where income inequality has doubled in recent years. Being desperate and hopeless, poor people are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like robberies, prostitution or drug dealings as a means of coping. Others turn to religious extremism and fascism for refuge. Although this burdens society as a whole, the poor and vulnerable are again more likely to be victims of crimes.

The health of nations has also been affected with higher rates of divorce, depression and domestic violence linked with countries that have higher income inequality. This is because when there is hierarchy, individuals are constantly competing for status, which increases stress and worsens health outcomes. The poor being more prone to illnesses also threatens nations as a whole. Diseases like Bird Flu spread fast, particularly in populous countries like India. With the safety and well being of the nation at large, it is more than essential to “Love thy neighbor as thy self”. 

All in all, it is vital that we all take action against poverty - “the greatest cause of suffering on Earth” (The World Health Organization).

For Love,

Shama K