Generosity – India versus USA

I attended a dinner event hosted by our Church choir. There is one homeless lady who comes to our church service regularly. Someone always pays her ticket to attend events like this where there is food (she comes dressed OK). Anyway, I was surprised to find out that some parishioners make it point to sit with her so that she would not feel shunned. In fact, there were so many at her table at this event, that they had to get extra chairs! I think Americans are the kindest and most generous people in the world (quite opposite to their rotten international image!) Indians basically are not generous or kind to the poor. Recent studies show that despite of a rapid growth in the numbers of super rich, charitable contributions in India account for only .6% of her GDP, versus 2.2% of GDP in USA.

Thankfully, a many rich Indians here in USA, have picked up this noble trait of Americans, and are helping the poor and needy in India.