The Questionable Future Of India; Image Source: Deccan Chronicles

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It is obvious from history that human societies have always combined both rich and poor aspects; however, it also highlights the necessity of lifting both aspects. The world is witnessing poverty as one of the biggest global crises, which is related to several predictable adverse situations, such as cheap accommodations, insecurity, unemployment, nutritional deficiencies and hunger, abuse of children, inadequate medical treatment, poor living conditions, and weak educational resources, threatening the nation's future. Take the recent health crisis as an example of how poverty, even if people survived the battle, has overtaken the lives of many.

Almost a year has passed since our lives have been invaded by Coronavirus. There was a time when everyone was stuck between four walls or in front of their silver screens, working from home, running errands, dressing up and having nowhere to go. Yet for some, it led to a time when they were without a roof over their heads, no spoon to feed, and not even work available on the streets. Even those who were previously better off became worse because of the pandemic, while others carried their misery peddling bare feet to an oblivious future. Such was the level of contrast the nation endured during the largest nationwide lockdown in its history that was poorly conceived and executed. 

Not only that, it has been duly noted that the first wave of Coronavirus negatively impacted people from all over the world in terms of income and livelihoods. An analysis conducted by the Pew Research Center, a US think tank, indicates the Coronavirus pandemic's initial outbreak doubled Indian poverty. As a result of the pandemic last year, almost all industries were affected, resulting in large-scale job losses in both formal and informal sectors, with the poor bearing the brunt of the economic slump.

> Even in times like these, when economic expansion, globalisation, technology advances, and access to resources were at unimaginable levels, millions of people lived on the streets or did not have enough money to afford a single meal a day.
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Even before independence, poverty was a concern in India, and this problem is not just confined to economic struggles. In contrast, poverty is broader, as it involves a lack of both finances and basic capabilities for living a dignified life. They have a transformative effect on enacting more discriminatory, violent, and exclusive social structures than would be expected in a democracy such as India.

Poverty is here, it's everywhere and sailing against the winds. The question is how good are we at eradicating the poverty-induced misery of the people?

Several years ago, a France based activist Wresinski realised that governments ignore a great deal of the plight of the poor, resulting in feelings of rejection, guilt, and shame. In 1987, a similar effort to honour the victims of hunger and violence due to poverty was launched, when lakhs of people joined the cause and supported Joseph Wresinski who organised this event. Because poverty was the primary objective of the day, it brought attention to the plight of the poor and urged governments to listen to their concerns.

Four years after the death of Wresinski, in 1992, the United Nations declared October 17 as the **International Day for the Eradication of Poverty** in his honour.

> *Wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated. To come together to ensure that these rights be respected is our solemn duty.* — Joseph Wresinski, Text Engraved on Original Commemorative Stone in Paris
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A major factor in reducing poverty is acknowledging the struggles of poor people and their hardships. Thus, from all over the world, people of all backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the celebration of the day that promotes dialogue and understanding between those living in poverty, their communities and society as a whole. The day allows everyone to voice their concerns and acknowledge that poverty is primarily a controllable problem that can be solved if we work together. When we lift others up, we are not only brightening their world but also giving meaning to our own.

As Mahatma Gandhi once quoted **" *Poverty is the worst form of violence*"**, it is the duty of every individual to better the community around them. There is no nation unless it is for its people, and, throughout history, only poverty has led to revolution, hence, participate in one and take action to eradicate poverty around you.

In this ocean of privilege, some have yachts, some have sailboats, some even survive on a wooden log but others don't even get a hold of it. An international day to eradicate such distinctions is simply a step in the right direction, but respecting and uplifting someone in their struggles is the real deal. Are you ready?