In the busy streets of Mumbai, near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and Azad Maidan, one man stands out, not because he鈥檚 asking for money, but because he鈥檚 secretly very rich. Bharat Jain, known as the world鈥檚 richest beggar, has made a surprising amount of money through begging. He even owns properties and earns more than many people with regular jobs.
How Bharat Jain Became the World鈥檚 Wealthiest Beggar?
Bharat Jain didn鈥檛 grow up rich; his family faced tough financial times. They struggled to afford food and shelter, which meant Bharat couldn鈥檛 go to school. But over time, he turned his life around.
Today, reports say he has a net worth of Rs 7.5 crore, including several properties and an income higher than many regular workers.
For the past 40 years, Bharat has mainly earned his money through begging. Reports suggest he makes around Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,500 a day, depending on where he is and how generous people are. He works around 10 to 12 hours daily, earning between Rs 60,000 to Rs 75,000 a month.
Besides begging, Bharat has made smart money choices. He owns two flats in Mumbai worth Rs 1.4 crore, where he lives with his wife, two sons, father, and brother. He also owns two shops in Thane, which give him Rs 30,000 per month in rent. These wise investments help him take care of his family and plan for the future.
His sons went to a well-known convent school, finished their studies, and now help with the family business. The Jains run a stationery store, which adds to their income. Even though Bharat is now financially secure, his family doesn鈥檛 fully support his choice to keep begging. But he stands by it and says, 鈥淚 enjoy begging, and I don鈥檛 want to give it up.鈥
In an interview with the Economic Times, Bharat said, 鈥淚鈥檓 not greedy. I鈥檓 generous.鈥 He also shared that he visits temples and donates money.
Bharat鈥檚 story is not one of a kind. India鈥檚 begging industry is reportedly worth about Rs 1.5 lakh crore. Others like Sambhaji Kale, who is worth Rs 1.5 crore, and Laxmi Das, with Rs 1 crore, have also gained wealth through begging.