Sonam’s Odyssey (BTE/Beggar turned entrepreneur) – From Donation to Dignity
- May 4
- 5 min read
In early 2024, Sonam (A beggar then with a frail weight of 27kgs) walked into the Beggars Corporation office for the first time, with her little daughter Khushboo. Originally from a village in Bihar and abandoned by her family, Sonam was found begging near Dashashwamedh Ghat of Varanasi. She carried with her a bag of donated clothes, a few coins, Khusboo and a heart full of hope. What she truly brought with her was the desire to work and rebuild her life. Today, Sonam not only lives with self-respect but also teaches others as a workshop assistant. From the hands that once begged to the ones that bestow beautiful merchandise to others, she has become a source of strength and inspiration. Her daughter Khushboo, who had never been to school before, is now studying in Class 3. Her after-school hours and summer vacations are spent in BC office, studying/drawing/having lots of fun. The mother in Sonam didn't hesitate to spread her hands for food, because she had to feed her child. Currently, Sonam (BTE/Beggar turned entrepreneur) is on the path to success, living independently in a rented place, growing her business, saving for her child's future education, to repay her mentor-investor, and to fulfil Khusboo's dream of becoming a police officer. Sonam is a natural warrior who decided to change the track of her life and conquer the dreams of her child.
We speak and have frequent video calls; I am now Sonam’s didi and Khusboo’s Badi mummy. Sonam’s voice is currently full of gratitude, mentioning that she is financially independent and has every support to lead her life. She beams with joy, talking about the orders they are working on and the new product range she has learned to stitch. Being frail with a 27kg weight initially, now she eats very well, weighs 42kgs feeling physically fit. She addresses the Beggars Corporation team as her family and looks forward me visiting them at Banaras one day.
About Beggars Corporation
People give alms or advice to beggars; the Beggars Corporation gives respect and confidence. Around July 2024, I was introduced to the Beggars Corporation founder, the visionary Chandra Mishra, by our family friend Oliver Sequeira. My first phone call meeting with Chandraji lasted 1.5hours, as he leaves no stone unturned to check the true intention of an approaching capitalist. At the end of the conversation, I was accepted as a mentor-investor. It has been a real pleasure to witness how Beggars Corporation has transformed the life of my dear mentee "Sonam", who was once a Beggar just 2 years back and is now not just an enterpriser but also a model endorsing Beggars Corporation commodities. While Sonam dared to discard the begging bowl and work hard to lead a life of gratification, I made the bold move to go against the conventional rules of transaction and bet on her label as a beggar.
"By facilitating entrepreneurship among the poorest, Beggars Corporation tackles the root causes of Beggary – poverty, unemployment, lack of skills, and social stigma. The organization’s model promotes self-worth, as beneficiaries make the transition from dependency to active economic participation. Furthermore, the ripple effect of this empowerment can lead to broader economic and social benefits, fostering stronger and more resilient communities. Investing in Beggars Corporation supports a systemic change through a sustainable solution that addresses poverty at its core, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous society."
Thanks to the entire Beggars Corporation team for teaching all the skills to Sonam, taking care of their education and well-being. Am awestruck with my journey so far with the establishment. It may be more comfortable to throw a 10rs note at a beggar than invest in transforming their lives by bringing lost equality and contentment. The trust has to be established at both ends. From begging at the ghats of Varanasi to her inspiring conversion physically/mentally/financially, it’s an unbelievable story. Her confidence in standing tall in the crowd, the expert hands stitching beautiful eco-friendly products, and the resilience in staying individually, say it all. Her behaviour, filled with courage, hard work, gratitude and love are my real ROI/Return of Investment. It was one of the top memories of my life attending the book launch event and meeting so many like-minded personalities, who wholeheartedly trust the process of “Donation to Dignity”. Many accolades to the team of Beggar’s Corporation, who quietly battle the difficult journey with an everlasting smile on their faces.
The milestones so far
1. In July 2024, I began my involvement with Beggars Corporation as a Mentor-Investor with INR 2L for 3 years under 'One Beggar, One Mentor(OBOM)' plan.
2. 12thAugust2025, we celebrated “Begging Free India Day” aligned with the launch of the book “The Last Beggar”, by Bloomsbury Publishing. The book is a movement that demolishes the myths around begging, challenges outdated charity models, and presents a revolutionary blueprint for change. Former BTE Mirchimala didi was added to the Board of Directors of Beggars Corporation, a historic change.
3. January2026 - The New Year 2026 started when I unexpectedly received a pretty handmade card from Khusboo. She feels at ease talking to me and has initiated addressing me as “Badi Mummy” instead of “Mam”. Her mom praised that Khusboo takes a deep interest in her studies and leads her daily schedule without any reminder. It won’t be a surprise if this kid emerges as an IPS officer in the future. It is rare to see even privileged kids with such discipline in today’s world.
4. April2026 - My dream to see my role model, “Radhika Gupta” (MD & CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund), wearing a saree crafted by Sonam came true. Immense love has been poured over her post on LinkedIn since then by many viewers. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:share:7455290441190629377/
"Never stand begging for that which you have the power to earn." — Miguel de Cervantes, a Spanish writer.
If you wish to walk with us in this mission of stateliness and purpose, step forward. But come if you prioritize transformation over ROI. This is not an investment of capital, rather of courage.
Links and Pictures
“The Last Beggar” book by Sanjeev Chopra,
Currently available Products
Shop at Beggars Corporation, https://shop.beggarscorporation.com/
· SARi - The Saree of Impact
· STOLe – Stole of Empowerment
· Accessories – Pouch, sling, tote, fanny, Baugette bags, laptop sleeves, ethnic potli
· Crochet – Waist band, hair clip, bouquet, mini toys, hangings, hamper box
· Home & Décor – Coaster set, curtain tie, bunting
· Stationery - Embroidered Bookmarks
· Poonya - Special Puja, Prasad box of Lord Kashi Vishwanath
· Corporate gifting - No Minimum Order, Order as per your need, Impact-Driven Products, Sustainable & Upcycled, Custom Branding, Bulk Discounts, Handcrafted by BTEs. https://shop.beggarscorporation.com/pages/contact
Now vs Then
Our first meet, with Sonam and Khusboo at “The Last Beggar” book launch in Aug2025
A shy yet smart Khusboo with her Badi Mummy at “The Last Beggar” book launch in Aug2025
Enthusiastic Khusboo is sending a New Year card for her Badi Mummy.
Adorable Khusboo designing her future home model named “Raj Mahal”
A Skilled and dedicated Sonam at the workshop.
Sonam modelling for her own creation,
Sonam is holding Deewali hamper box designed for 2025
Khusboo featuring in the Diwali hamper box 2025
Radhika Gupta (MD & CEO, Edelweiss Mutual Fund), wearing KALKI Patchwork Saree. This is the most loved saree of Beggars Corporation so far.
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