In a bustling metropolis like Mumbai, thousands of faces blend into the daily crowd. Yet, the story of one man, Bharat Jain, stands apart as a paradox that challenges the very definition of poverty and wealth.
Often seen begging near high-traffic areas like the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) station and Azad Maidan, Bharat Jain appears to be a man struggling for survival.
The astonishing truth?
He is reportedly one of the wealthiest beggars in the world, with an estimated net worth of around ₹7.5 crore (₹75 million).
From Hand-to-Mouth to High Net Worth
Born into extreme poverty, Bharat Jain’s childhood was marked by a constant lack of basic necessities like food, shelter, and education. With no access to stable employment, he turned to begging for survival—a profession that would sustain him for over 40 years.
The Unbelievable Income Stream
What started as a desperate measure evolved into an incredibly lucrative occupation. Jain reportedly spends 10 to 12 hours a day begging and manages to earn between ₹2,000 to ₹2,500 daily.
This translates to a staggering monthly income of ₹60,000 to ₹75,000—an amount that exceeds the salary of many formally employed individuals.
Financial Discipline: The Secret to Wealth
Unlike the common perception of a beggar, Jain displayed remarkable financial discipline. By consistently saving a significant portion of his daily earnings and making astute investments, he systematically converted his modest income into long-term wealth.
The Assets: A Life of Comfort and Passive Income
Jain’s dedication and financial acumen have allowed him to acquire substantial assets, providing a life of comfort and security for his family:
- Mumbai Flats: He owns two spacious flats in Mumbai, collectively valued at approximately ₹1.4 crore.
- Commercial Properties: He further invested in two shops in Thane, which he rents out. These commercial properties generate a steady passive income of an additional ₹30,000 per month.
A Better Life for the Next Generation
Despite his unusual career, Bharat Jain was determined to break the cycle of poverty for his children. He ensured his sons received a quality education by enrolling them in a reputed convent school.
Once educated, they moved into a more conventional line of work, joining the family’s stationery business, which provides another stable source of household income.
The Paradox: Why Still Beg?
With such immense wealth, property secured, and his family settled in a thriving business, the question remains: Why does Bharat Jain continue to beg on the streets?
While his family reportedly urges him to quit, there are varying theories for his persistence:
- A Lifelong Habit: For a man who has practiced it for four decades, begging might simply be a deeply ingrained routine he cannot abandon.
- The Discipline of the Routine: Some believe the daily act keeps him connected to his roots or maintains a discipline that once ensured his family’s survival.
Regardless of the motive, his continued presence on the streets as a beggar, despite being a ‘crorepati,’ makes Bharat Jain’s life story an extraordinary journey of financial success emerging from the most unexpected, and paradoxical, of places.
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